Recent research: Finns’ digital skills have improved, especially in older age groups

– In some age groups, the number of older people with good digital skills has doubled in a couple of years, and their skills are more advanced than before. However, having the ability to learn new things is important for people of all ages, as digital skills are not something you can master once and for all, says Henriikka Eloluoto, Senior Specialist, Digital and Population Data Services Agency.

Finns have trust in their abilities. 83% of Finns estimate that they will be able to keep up with digital progress over the next five years.

Good digital skills do not mean having to manage everything on your own

The Digital Skills Report challenges our views of those able to use digital services and those who need help with them.

– Age alone does not determine a person’s digital skill level. People often assume that young people have a natural command of digital services, but they may actually unfamiliar with public e-services or using a computer. At the same time, many older people actively use digital services and keep developing their skills, explains Henriikka Eloluoto, Senior Specialist, Digital and Population Data Services Agency.

Improved digital skills also do not mean that people can manage in every situation without assistance. According to the Digital Skills Report, 38% of Finns often need assistance when using digital services or devices. This need for assistance is particularly common with new, rarely used or complex service situations.

Problems in service use are not always due to the user’s skills

32% of Finnish adults reported that they had stopped the processing of an official matter in a digital service because they were afraid that they would give wrong information or use the service incorrectly. 24% have interrupted service use due to overly complicated language used in the service.

In addition to the user's own skills, successful service use and trust are a result of user-friendly services, accessibility, understandable language and being able to access support if necessary.

– The purpose of a good digital service is to help the user proceed and understand what they have to do. If the user has to make guesses, spend time looking for the right service or interpret a difficult official language, not everything can be attributed to the user’s inadequate digital skills, says Minna Piirainen, Chief Specialist, Digital and Population Data Services Agency.

The Digital Skills Report will be published on 5th October 2026 at dvv.fi/digitaitoraportti.