Three in 10 people have learned new online skills during lockdown, poll claims

Many did not know how to send a group text message, survey suggests

(Reuters)

Three in 10 people have learned new online skills during the UK's lockdown period, including making video calls, sending group texts and using their computers to make phone calls, according to a poll.

A poll of 2,000 adults, commissioned by Alcatel, found one-quarter previously avoided messaging in group chats, while 23 per cent would not use video conferencing for work.

More than one-quarter would describe themselves as a "technophobe", with one-third admitting to being intimidated by modern technology.

One in four said they now felt confident in setting up a group video call, 40 per cent knew what Zoom was and one-sixth had taught themselves how to join a group chat on a mobile phone.​

William Paterson, the UK and Ireland country director of Alcatel, said: “People have had to adjust quickly to socialising and working online.

“It’s encouraging to see adults of all ages teaching themselves new skills in order to keep in touch with others.

“Previously, it was easy to avoid the likes of video conference calls with colleagues and group chats with family, but now it’s the key way of communicating.

“Mobile phones give us the ability to email, call, text, send GIFs and communicate on social media all at the touch of a button – without this during the current time it would be difficult to stay in touch and work effectively.”

The research also found that video calls had seen the biggest increase in use - with 21 per cent using Whatsapp video, 20 per cent using Zoom and 21 per cent using Facetime when they had not done so previously.

Prior to lockdown, people spent an average of 74 minutes a day using their mobile phones but this has now increased to 98 minutes.

It was also found that half of adults have had to help an older relative or friend with tech, but three in five had also asked someone else for assistance.

Tasks people struggled with include merging phone calls, setting up virtual meetings and adding others to a group call.

More than one-third admitted they would like to know more about technology and 46 per cent said they thought it was important to "keep up with the times".

As a result of learning new skills and adapting to different ways of communicating, three in 10 said their confidence using devices had grown during lockdown.

One-quarter of those polled, via OnePoll, said they were more likely to use technology and different gadgets following the current crisis.

Mr Paterson added: “Now more than ever, it’s important for technology to be available to the masses, to keep loved ones in contact and ensure that people don’t feel alone.”

SWNS