Tech News – Pacific Peoples are much more concerned than others about some aspects of the Internet

New research reveals that Pacific Peoples are much more concerned about the Internet and its effects on people than the population as a whole.

63% of Pacific Peoples are either extremely or very concerned that people from low socio economic backgrounds may have limited Internet access. This is a massive difference to the overall number of New Zealanders who are concerned about this, which sits at 37%.

When it comes to the cost of the Internet, on average, 34% of New Zealanders are either extremely or very concerned. This number skyrockets to 59% for Pacific Peoples.

InternetNZ’s Chief Executive, Vivien Maidaborn, says the difference in numbers shines a light on how different people and groups may have different experiences online.

“Digital equity would mean everyone in Aotearoa has the choice to access, afford and confidently use the Internet so they can participate in today’s society. This simply is not the case here in Aotearoa and we need to see positive change now.

“To achieve digital equity, we need continued government investment in the digital equity basics of affordable connectivity, appropriate and affordable devices, and skills and ongoing support to use these things. And these digital equity basics must be provided in a way that reaches and meets the needs of those groups who face the greatest digital inclusion barriers,” says Maidaborn.

The research also shows us that Pacific Peoples are much more concerned about being safe online.

84% of Pacific Peoples are concerned about the Internet being used to share dangerous or discriminatory messages about individuals, groups, or communities. The overall number of New Zealanders who are concerned about this sits at 63%.

Dangerous speech can incite violence and make it hard for people to participate on the Internet – and in society – safely.

“The Internet should be a safe space for everyone in Aotearoa. But some communities – particularly minority, marginalised, and at-risk groups – are experiencing hate, hurt, and threats of violence online.

“Right now, our laws and processes are not adequate for the online world and are not helping to keep people safe from online harm. We need the government to take a robust look at key laws designed for broadcast media and update them for the challenges facing Aotearoa in the Internet era.

“The most promising way for that to happen would be through the planned review of the content regulatory system, which should start by understanding the issues faced by communities.

“The Internet is dynamic, and it will keep throwing out new challenges. We hope the government will commit to addressing these challenges and meet the needs of diverse communities across Aotearoa,” says Maidaborn.

Our research asked New Zealanders to rate their concern levels for 16 different aspects of the Internet. Pacific Peoples’ concerns were at least 10 per cent higher in every single aspect.

• Pacific Peoples are much more concerned than others about some aspects of the Internet. Compared to the average for everyone in Aotearoa:
• • 63% of Pacific Peoples are concerned that people from low socio economic backgrounds may have limited access (vs NZ average of 37%)
  • 59% of Pacific Peoples are concerned about the cost of the Internet (vs NZ average of 34%)
  • 71% of Pacific Peoples are concerned about people becoming socially or physically isolated from each other (vs NZ average of 49%)
  • 84% of Pacific Peoples are concerned about the Internet being used to share dangerous or discriminatory messages about individuals, groups, or communities (vs NZ average of 63%)
• Women are much more concerned than men about some aspects of the Internet:
• • 81% of women are concerned about young children accessing inappropriate content (vs 66% of men)
  • 74% of women are concerned about cyber bullying (vs 59% of men)
  • 66% of women are concerned about the Internet being a forum for extremist material and hate speech (vs 52% of men)
  • 70% of women are concerned about the Internet being used to share dangerous or discriminatory messages about individuals, groups, or communities (vs 57% of men)
• 53% of people, who do work that allows them to work from home, would consider moving somewhere else in Aotearoa if they could re-locate their current job (up from 45% last year).
• • Of those who would consider relocating; the most common reasons are better lifestyle (57%), more affordable lifestyle (54%) and more affordable housing (50%).
• Facebook and Meta-owned platforms have complete domination here in Aotearoa. Facebook, Messenger, Instagram and Whatsapp are all in the top five communications channels New Zealanders are using.
• Our research shows that 16% of Internet users have a long-term disability, with many using assistive technology.
• Top concerns (either extremely or very concerned): Young children accessing inappropriate content (74%), security of personal data (68%), online crime (68%), cyber bullying (67%), threats to privacy (65%)
• Although the majority of people continue to think that the positives of the Internet outweigh the negatives, this is on a downward trend. In 2020, 87% said ‘yes’ the positives of the Internet outweighed the negatives. In 2021 this was 86% and in 2022 84%.

Each year InternetNZ commissions market research company Colmar Brunton to survey New Zealanders about their use, benefits, concerns, and fears regarding the Internet. InternetNZ will continue to commission this research each year to demonstrate what people think today, and how their thinking changes over time.

InternetNZ is a non-profit organisation, and the home and guardian of .nz – providing the infrastructure, security and support to keep it humming. It uses the funding from the sale of .nz domain names to support the development of New Zealand’s Internet through policy, community grants, research and events. Its vision is an Internet that is open, secure, and for all New Zealanders.