2026-05-19 13:00:47

Shirley Ballas is fronting a new campaign aimed at tackling the UK’s growing technology confidence gap, as research suggests millions of people are struggling to keep pace with digital change and missing out on health benefits as a result.

The One Step Ahead campaign, backed by healthcare company Abbott and its Libre health technology brand, follows a nationwide survey of 2,000 adults.

The findings revealed that 35 per cent of people feel so disconnected from technology they actively avoid it, while 68 per cent have opted out of at least one form of technology altogether.

The issue becomes more serious when it comes to health technology.

Only 18 per cent of UK adults said they felt completely up to speed with health-related technology, while nearly a quarter admitted they were not using available tools to their full potential despite 86 per cent agreeing it was important to remain open to learning about new technology.

Researchers found the problem was largely driven by the pace of change rather than lack of interest.

Nearly one-third of respondents said technology evolves too quickly to keep up with, even though the same proportion described themselves as curious about innovation.

The survey also challenged assumptions around age and digital confidence.

Adults aged 18 to 24 were the most likely to opt out of technology entirely at 44 per cent, compared with 30 per cent of those aged between 55 and 64.

The consequences can extend beyond convenience.

Two in five respondents said digital barriers had caused problems such as missed GP appointments, delayed prescriptions or difficulties completing essential online tasks.

Among people managing long-term conditions, nearly one quarter said they were not using technology to help monitor their health, rising to almost half among people living with diabetes.

Ballas, who appears in the campaign alongside her mother Audrey Rich, said embracing technology required the same mindset as learning to dance.

The Strictly Come Dancing judge said: “In dance, you’re always learning new steps and it can feel overwhelming at times. But you don’t stop, you keep going. It’s the same with technology.

“I’ve spent my whole career telling people not to be afraid of learning something new. It turns out that applies just as much to technology as it does to the dancefloor.”

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