Television is an Effective Tool to Support Seniors' Digital Skills

Yle is piloting a new initiative to teach digital skills to elderly Finns using television, addressing the challenge that many seniors find online content inaccessible. Responding to a question about why television isn't used for digital literacy, Yle Oppiminen has launched Digitreenit TV spots in collaboration with the Central Union for Welfare of the Aged. These short videos, broadcast on Yle channels since June, offer calm and clear guidance on essential digital tasks. Topics covered include using Suomi.fi messages, digital identification, QR codes, browser versus app usage, and recognizing scam messages. This program acknowledges that while Yle has offered online digital skills training since 2016, this content does not reach those most intimidated by the digital world. An estimated 800,000 Finns over 65 occasionally require help with digital matters, and for many, television remains the most familiar source of information. Yle will evaluate the effectiveness of these TV segments in the fall to decide on their continuation. All published videos are also available on Yle Areena under the search term Digitreenit. The initiative underscores Yle's commitment to lifelong learning and providing accessible, repetitive instruction in basic digital concepts, recognizing that motivation and pace can vary with age.

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We recognize, however, that online content does not reach those who find the digital world most alien.