Elderly to be told to use internet

[TheOstrich]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article ... vices.html

I think this is so wrong. OK, we on here are reasonably computer literate but many of our generation, who have not had to use computers at work for example, are not. Mrs O would struggle. Additionally, I remain to be convinced about computer security - one inadvertent click and it's so easy for your computer to be hacked these days.

My bank recently asked me why I do not use online banking more than I do. I told them I simply don't trust it. And of course the banks are moving inexorably towards no longer reimbursing you if you get any of you accounts hijacked.

I've often said in the past that all this mass computerisation will one day all end in tears. I still do - and a lot of people are going to get hurt ....

[Workingman]

I should be for this, shouldn't I?

I am in the age group under consideration, I am more than computer literate, and I help people, some older, some younger, to become more computer literate than they are. Why, then, am I so against?

The first reason is choice. There should always, always, be an opportunity to talk to someone, someone who can help there and then. Far too many companies offer 'Contact us' only for users to find that it is on Facebook, Twitter or an e-mail system that is not observed 24/7.

The second is cost. Broadband is not free, it has to be bundled, at extra cost, with a phone landline. Many people now rely on mobile phones for their for their phone services. Until the link between landline and broadband is broken many older people will either be charged for a service they hardly ever use or find it not available, or at huge cost, on their mobile network.

The third reason is trust. Many people, and I include myself, do not trust the security of the Internet. Of all the systems out there government run ones appear to be the least trusted of them all.

The fourth. Government cannot force people to use the Internet. If enough people say "No" and insist on phone contact or face-to-face the government will have to suck it up. I sincerely hope that enough people do that.

It is not that the principle is wrong, but it has to be perfect, work for the people who want to use it, and be done over time.

[cromwell]

Lots of things these days are done for the benefit of big business, and this sounds like another one.
BT charge you extra if you don't pay your bill by direct debit. It's not that you don't pay your BT bill in full, but that you don't pay BT in the way that is most convenient for them.

So people will be forced to use the net for exactly the same reason - it lessens the oevrhead of big business. Fewer people are needed so they will save a lot on wages.

[saundra]

I won't do online banking or pay by dd
So I left bt and moved to post office phone
Same with electronic
I don't like being told what to do
Simple as that
And it All costs money for broadband and such

[Aggers]

I would never do on-line banking - there are too many crooks out there.

I often wish the Sun (the solar one) would throw out a gigantic flare that
would wipe out the memories on all the world's computers. I would then
laugh and say, 'I told you so'. We are stupid to put so much reliance on IT.

[Kaz]

I use the net for many things, but I am a stubborn so-and-so and all my life long have hated being told what to do!!

[cruiser2]

I do use the internet. This includes some internet banking.
But I only use it when other forms of communication are not possible or it is cheaper. This applies to some of the shopping channels on TV who have 090 phone numbers but free on the internet.

I don't always do what mrs.e tells me to do!!

Had to do what I was told when I was in the RAF but those days are long gone.

Like Kaz has said am using the net now.

[Suff]

This is a tough one isn't it.

We rail at government when they spend too much money. then when they try and reduce their costs by using the Internet, we rail at then for refusing to give us choice.

What are they to do? The internet can give them faster service and, in many ways, more precise.

Perhaps Internet first and then personal if that fails. but, of course, may people will abuse the fail line which will be sized for exceptions....

I'm not in favour of mandating internet, but I am in favour of reducing government staff.

Catch 22