Blog | 07 October 2025
With almost everyone going digital, how do we make sure no one is left behind?
By 2025, 97% of the population will use the internet and 93% will do so daily. A figure we should be proud of regarding Sweden's digital maturity. A figure that says we are at the forefront even in a global perspective. But I also see something else in the statistics: the few percent who are excluded are not just numbers.
These are people, often elderly, who risk being left behind at a time when more and more public services are being digitalised.
A small group with a big impact
The Swedes and the internet 2025 External link, opens in new window. report confirms that age is the strongest factor. Virtually everyone born in the 1960s or later uses the internet every day. Exclusion is mainly found among the very oldest. In these cases, experience, uncertainty or cognitive barriers can make the digital leap too big.
The consequence is that those who are most in need of health, care or pension information risk being left without access to the services they need. This is a gap we must never ignore.
When almost everyone is digital, demands increase
The fact that almost the entire population is connected can give a sense of 'mission accomplished'. But in fact, it means the opposite. When digital is the default channel, we as societal actors need to be even clearer, even simpler and even more inclusive. How do we do that?
- Cognitive simplicity
Interfaces, forms and navigation need to be so self-explanatory that they don't require technical familiarity. - Safety
Many older people hesitate because of concerns about security and privacy. We need to explain clearly how e-services, BankID and digital mail work. - Alternative paths
There will always be some who will not go digital. That's why we need parallel channels and seamless switching between digital and analogue. - Accessibility as the norm
Plain language, reading aloud, language support and WCAG should not be add-ons, they should be the foundation.
Why does this matter?
The report shows that digital public services are often perceived as 'buggy' or unfinished. For the experienced user, this can be annoying. For someone with low digital skills, it can be the difference between getting support or giving up.
And when almost everyone else is digital, the sense of stigma increases for those who don't keep up. No one should have to feel dependent on family members to manage their daily lives.
Our common challenge
For public authorities, regions and municipalities, this means one thing: digitalisation must never create a new exclusion. On the contrary, it must become a tool for greater equality.
The true measure of a successful digitalisation is that even those least used to it can participate – on their own terms.
At Sitevision, we see it as our task to support you in this. Together, we can create digital journeys that are easier, safer and more inclusive. For everyone.
