Digitization in Austria: pressure and opportunities for the future!

Digitization in Austria: pressure and opportunities for the future!

Österreich - The digitization process in society is increasingly becoming the focus of public discussions, in particular with the introduction of the D21-Digital index in Austria. According to the results of this study initiated by A1, 50% of those surveyed believe that they can benefit from digitization. At the same time, however, 36% pressure feels that the digital development step. Natascha Kantauer-Gansch from A1 notes that the study aims to promote digital awareness and responsibility. With a digital index of 65 points, Austria is above the German value of 59 points, which indicates a positive digital development.

A decisive aspect of the index is the use of social media. 81% of the Austrians surveyed state to use WhatsApp, followed by 65% ​​for YouTube and 62% for Facebook, while the use of Instagram is 54% and Tikok is 27%. It is particularly striking that 73% of those surveyed between the ages of 30 and 49 are active on Facebook. In the younger generation, the 14- to 29 year olds, 76% use Instagram and 56% TikTok.

digital basic skills and artificial intelligence

Despite the positive digital index, the study shows that only 56% of those surveyed have all the necessary digital basic skills. In Germany it is barely 49%, which clarifies that there is considerable potential for further digital education and education. The index also addresses the handling of artificial intelligence (AI). About 62% of the respondents use at least occasionally AI applications, with a striking gender gap of 69% in men and 55% in women.

Especially in generation Z, 85% of the user numbers of AI applications are high, while only 29% of the traditionalists use them. The most common applications include search for information, translations and text work. The index illustrates the trend that 30% of the respondents perceive digitization as a potential danger to democracy. At the same time, 52% see personal advantages in digital transformation, which underlines the ambivalent attitude of many citizens.

Influence of digitization on different areas of life

The survey also shows that digital technologies affect various areas of life. The majority of respondents (77%) believe that certain professions will disappear from AI, but only 27% relate to their own workplace. In addition, 52% of the respondents have already experienced disadvantages due to the lack of digital skills. This confirms the need for improved digital education, especially in schools, where 47% of the respondents believe that the necessary skills are conveyed.

A1 actively supports this development with programs such as the "A1 Senior Academy" and the "A1 Digital Campus" to support different age groups in digital transformation. These initiatives are part of a greater goal of preparing society for the challenges and opportunities of digitization.

For more information about the D21-Digital index, you can report the reports from Krone , Initiative d21 and OTS view.