Perceptions of the importance of digital skills

This table illustrates how the public perceives the importance of digital skills in relation to social, economic and educational factors in the European Union. The data reveal a near-universal consensus that digital literacy is a fundamental utility, with 89% of respondents ("strongly" and "somewhat") agreeing that these skills are essential for basic participation in society, for example, in banking and healthcare. The importance of digital competence is also recognised in the areas of education, with 85% of respondents ("strongly" and "somewhat") agreeing that these skills are essential for navigating the modern economy. The data reveal that 40% of respondents strongly agree that digital skills are essential for formal education and for the safe and responsible use of generative AI tools such as ChatGPT and Gemini. Furthermore, 80% of the public identifies digital literacy as a prerequisite for a successful career and a defence against misinformation.