The report was compiled by the industry self-regulatory body for the .au domain, auDA, and identifies opportunities to help Australians overcome digital challenges and better harness the benefits of the internet.

The research asked 1,500 Australian consumers and nearly 400 small businesses for their response.

The research comprised of online discussion forums, in-depth interviews conducted individually with both consumers and small businesses, and an online survey.

The Digital Lives of Australians 2022 Report found that 98 per cent of Australian consumers feel the internet delivers value to their day-to-day lives.

Key findings 

Value of the internet:  

• 61 per cent of Australians say they could not do their job without the internet
• 84 per cent of small businesses would struggle to operate without the internet 

Cyber Security: 

• Four out of five consumers are concerned about their personal data being stolen 
• Only 54 per cent of consumers and 72 per cent of small businesses change their passwords every few months 
• More than half of small businesses spend less than $1,000 annually on cyber security 

Digital Skills: 

• Small business demand for key digital skills outweighs consumer interest 
• The digital skills gap is greatest for website development, Search Engine Optimisation (SEO), Data visualisation, Customer Relationship Management (CRM) 

Future of the internet: 

• Australian consumers are cautiously optimistic about emerging digital technologies, however very few consumers or small businesses feel they have a good understanding of them 

• Around a third of small businesses report they are likely to use workplace automation, 37 per cent are likely to use smart buildings (37 per cent), 30 per cent the metaverse and 28 per cent likely to use blockchain in the future

auDA CEO, Rosemary Sinclair AM, said: “auDA is pleased to deliver the second annual Digital Lives of Australians report, which provides fresh insights and robust data on how Australians consumers and small businesses continue to benefit from using the internet and areas of online concern to them.

“For small businesses, ease of remote working and interaction with customers are primary benefits of digital connectivity and 84% say their business would struggle to survive without the internet. These findings reinforce that which many intrinsically know - the internet enriches our lives in many, varied ways.

“However, the use of digital technology is not without its challenges. As the research in this report indicates, Australian consumers and small businesses face a range of digital difficulties.”

You can find the Digital Lives of Australians 2022 report here.