Brighton residents inspired by the internet in pictures

Our Digital Planet, an exhibition of 24 images which was brought to Brighton by social investor Nominet Trust, has left the area after a successful two weeks and three days on Brighton Promenade, showcasing the power of the internet to visitors.

The national exhibition which could be seen on Brighton promenade between 16 August and Monday 3 September attracted thousands of visitors. Of those who ventured into the internet station, more than 60, all with no prior experience of using the internet, took their very first steps to getting online through guided support.

Of those who used the internet stations, 48 per cent were retired with 65 per cent of visitors over 50. Amongst other things, volunteers showed visitors how to pay for services online, how to share photos with loved ones using social media, and how to explore their family history as well as that of the local area online.

The exhibition’s launch follows research launched by Nominet Trust and Oxford Internet Institute (OII), which revealed that of the 21 per cent people in the South East of England who do not use the internet, a substantial 48 per cent feel they are better off without it.The combination of images and the on-site internet station aimed to challenge these negative perceptions of the internet.

Annika Small Nominet Trust CEO said: “The launch event in Brighton proved a fantastic start for Our Digital Planet, with visitors stopping by to appreciate the powerful images on display and to use the internet station.

“It’s vital that people know just how much they can get out of the internet on a daily basis – from saving money by paying bills online, shopping and running businesses – with access to the internet, a whole range of opportunities are available. We hope that access to our online internet station alongside guided support showed the people of Brighton what’s available and how straight forward it can be to use.

“We’re delighted with the success of the exhibition in Brighton and hope that the remainder of the tour will be just as well received.”

Our Digital Planet has now moved to Bristol, and will then visit Cardiff, Liverpool and finally Glasgow later this autumn.