As part of the “DigiTei – Digital Participation in Low-Income Households” project, 1,000 standardized surveys as well as supplementary qualitative interviews with experts and affected individuals were conducted between August and December 2025. The aim of the project is to systematically close existing research gaps regarding the digital participation of socially disadvantaged groups.

The study views digital participation as a multidimensional phenomenon comprising the three central pillars of access, empowerment, and participation. In doing so, it analyzed not only infrastructural prerequisites but also, in particular, usage patterns, income levels, individual life situations, as well as skill levels and sociodemographic differences.

Particular attention was paid to multiple disadvantages (e.g., homelessness or disability), which can further hinder digital participation. Differences in age, gender, and educational status were also examined.

Respondents were interviewed on the following aspects, among others:

• Access to digital devices such as smartphones, tablets, desktop PCs, and
  laptops,
• Quality and stability of internet access,
• Usage behavior and digital competencies, social participation, and
  subjective perceptions of one’s own digital situation.

To assess digital competencies, the study focused on five competency areas (Mieg et al. 2024):

• Information and data literacy,
• digital communication and collaboration,
• creation of digital content,
• security and safety in the digital space, and
• digital problem-solving skills.

The study’s findings show that while basic access to digital devices and the internet is available in many cases, the quality of this access often remains limited. Qualitative interviews with those affected reveal that people often use older or particularly low-cost devices that have lower performance capabilities and require more maintenance.

Furthermore, the study clearly shows that sociodemographic factors have a significant influence on digital participation. In particular, older people and those with lower levels of education are at greater risk of being digitally—and thus also socially—excluded, as they often have lower digital literacy and limited access to digital resources.

Individual life circumstances also play a decisive role. Housing situations, social conditions, or health limitations can create additional barriers and make digital participation significantly more difficult. The study also makes it clear that smartphones represent the primary access point to digital services for the vast majority of respondents.

Funding note: The “Digitei” project is funded by the Ministry of Labor, Health, and Social Affairs of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia (MAGS).

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