In 2021, 15.4% of the French population (excluding Mayotte) was in a situation of illectronism, according to an INSEE study published on Thursday. They find it difficult or unable to use a computer or the internet.
To “roll back digital and social exclusion”, the Emamüs association offers courses for people in a situation of illiteracy. NOTé from the contraction of illiteracy and electronics, this term refers to “the situation of a person who does not have basic digital skills (searching for information online, communicating online, using software, protecting their privacy, solving problems online) or not using the Internet ( incapacity or material impossibility to use it in the last three months)”according to INSEE.
In a report published Thursday, June 22, the National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies reveals that in 2021, “15.4% of people aged 15 or over residing in France excluding Mayotte are in a situation of illiteracy”, down three points between 2019 and 2021, and 28% have “weak digital abilities”.
“What is a window ?”
Godéline participates in a workshop “initiation and discovery of the computer”, in the center of Paris. This 59-year-old woman, who arrived in France recently, signed up so that she would no longer be in difficulty when she had to do her administrative procedures on the internet. She learns to use a word processor to write a letter and send it by email. “We’re going to type a text and then we’re going to record it. I’ll show you where it’s going,” explains an Emmaus volunteer.
Around, six other people are learning to type on a computer, with very specific requests: writing a CV, a cover letter, solving a technical problem on the computer, or working on Excel software for invoices. “We realize that the questions are not that obvious. When I used the word ‘window’ I saw that it was not clear and indeed, ‘window’ it’s not clear at all”, underlines Solène, one of the association’s volunteers.
Do not deepen social inequalities
Every week, nearly 40 people benefit from personalized advice during this workshop organized by Emmaüs. “We have a lot of people in professional reintegration”, notes Mélisandre Hautier Lemoule, head of Emmaüs Connect Paris-Centre operations. Learners have between “30 and 40 years old, men and women, who will combine social and digital precariousness”.
“The poorest 20% are 6.6 times more likely to be illiterate than the wealthiest 20%.”
InseeReport of June 22, 2023
According to INSEE, “Illectronism is strongly linked to the diploma, the standard of living and the profession”. The Institute notes that “9% of workers are affected, compared to only 2% of managers” and that people without a diploma “have a seven times higher risk of being in a situation of illectronism than people with at least a bac +3”.
Illiteracy particularly affects the elderly
According to the annual household survey on information and communication technologies, “62% of those aged 75 and over and a third of those over 60” are “ilelectronic”, compared to 2% of 15-24 year olds. “People living alone (30%) or in a couple without children (20%)” have “a 3.2 times higher risk” to be in a situation of illectronism than couples with children since this “would thus promote digital equipment and skills”notes INSEE.