Being online doesn’t mean being included
Young people are growing up in a world where being connected is essential — but access alone doesn’t guarantee inclusion.
This research explores how connection, cost, access, safety, trust, skills and emerging technologies like AI shape rangatahi experiences of the digital world. It brings together real stories and lived experiences to show where digital exclusion still exists, what it feels like, and where there are opportunities to make things better.
To do this we spoke with rangatahi aged 16–24 to understand how they experience digital access and online life in Aotearoa, with a focus on generating practical, accessible and actionable insights that can support and empower young people.
The research was led by Te Rourou, One Aotearoa Foundation, in partnership with One New Zealand and Brainbox Institute, using a participatory and flexible approach grounded in trusted relationships with rangatahi. Youth-focused organisations involved in the research were Number 10, The Y South, VOYCE and Te Ara Tīrama.
This research explores how connection, cost, access, safety, trust, skills and emerging technologies like AI shape rangatahi experiences of the digital world. It brings together real stories and lived experiences to show where digital exclusion still exists, what it feels like, and where there are opportunities to make things better.
To do this we spoke with rangatahi aged 16–24 to understand how they experience digital access and online life in Aotearoa, with a focus on generating practical, accessible and actionable insights that can support and empower young people.
The research was led by Te Rourou, One Aotearoa Foundation, in partnership with One New Zealand and Brainbox Institute, using a participatory and flexible approach grounded in trusted relationships with rangatahi. Youth-focused organisations involved in the research were Number 10, The Y South, VOYCE and Te Ara Tīrama.
Connection is about people
For rangatahi, digital connection is a core part of everyday life, but its value goes far beyond simply getting online. It is how they stay close to friends and whānau, make plans, maintain relationships across distance and connect with communities around shared interests.
At the same time, being online is essential for study, work, banking, appointments and everyday tasks. For rangatahi, connection is both practical and deeply human.
At the same time, being online is essential for study, work, banking, appointments and everyday tasks. For rangatahi, connection is both practical and deeply human.
Young voices shaping what’s next
Rangatahi do not just want to be consulted about the digital future — they want to help shape it. They bring lived experience, practical knowledge and clear ideas about how online spaces could be safer, fairer and more inclusive.
The research shows a strong desire for young people to be authentically involved in decisions about connectivity, platforms, safety, regulation and emerging technologies like AI.
The research shows a strong desire for young people to be authentically involved in decisions about connectivity, platforms, safety, regulation and emerging technologies like AI.
AI brings opportunity and uncertainty
Rangatahi can see the value AI can bring to learning, work and everyday tasks, but they are also cautious about what comes with it.
Concerns about trust, authenticity, over-reliance, creative ownership and the wider impacts on education, work and society are shaping how they think about an AI-enabled future.
Concerns about trust, authenticity, over-reliance, creative ownership and the wider impacts on education, work and society are shaping how they think about an AI-enabled future.
Rangatahi are already finding a way
Young people are not passive in the face of digital challenges. They are building skills, adapting their behaviour and finding practical ways to stay connected, safe and in control — often learning through experience and from each other.
A Day in the Digital Life of Rangatahi
In Their Own Words
Key Dimensions of Rangatahi Digital Inclusion
Connection is essential
Being connected is no longer a nice-to-have.
Education, employment, banking, communication, appointments and everyday tasks increasingly assume internet access. For rangatahi, the distinction between “online” and “offline” life has largely disappeared.
Education, employment, banking, communication, appointments and everyday tasks increasingly assume internet access. For rangatahi, the distinction between “online” and “offline” life has largely disappeared.
Connection is human
The most valuable thing technology connects rangatahi to is other people.
Digital connection helps rangatahi maintain relationships with friends and whānau across distance, make plans, find communities around shared interests and form new relationships. Digital inclusion is therefore also about social inclusion.
Digital connection helps rangatahi maintain relationships with friends and whānau across distance, make plans, find communities around shared interests and form new relationships. Digital inclusion is therefore also about social inclusion.
Access still isn’t equal
Cost and reliability continue to determine who can stay connected.
Data costs, expensive devices, repairs, broken equipment, rural connectivity, power cuts and even the lack of somewhere safe to charge a phone can interrupt access. When so much of life depends on connection, losing it can have immediate consequences.
Data costs, expensive devices, repairs, broken equipment, rural connectivity, power cuts and even the lack of somewhere safe to charge a phone can interrupt access. When so much of life depends on connection, losing it can have immediate consequences.
Safety requires constant navigation
Being online brings opportunity, but it also requires vigilance.
Bullying, stalking, scams, explicit content, overuse and social-media pressure were recurring concerns. Rangatahi are actively managing these risks through privacy settings, screen-time limits, safer behaviours and support from friends and whānau.
Bullying, stalking, scams, explicit content, overuse and social-media pressure were recurring concerns. Rangatahi are actively managing these risks through privacy settings, screen-time limits, safer behaviours and support from friends and whānau.
Trust is becoming harder
AI, scams and misinformation are making it increasingly difficult to know what's real.
Many rangatahi approach unfamiliar online content with scepticism. Generative AI adds another layer of uncertainty — creating opportunities but also deepening concerns about misinformation, authenticity, reliance on technology and what the future might look like.
Rangatahi want to shape what’s next
Young people don't just want protection from the digital world — they want a hand in designing it.
Rangatahi demonstrated considerable knowledge, skills and practical strategies for navigating digital environments. They want to be authentically involved in decisions about platforms, safety, regulation, connectivity and AI — not consulted after decisions have already been made.
Rangatahi demonstrated considerable knowledge, skills and practical strategies for navigating digital environments. They want to be authentically involved in decisions about platforms, safety, regulation, connectivity and AI — not consulted after decisions have already been made.
Where to from here?
Reliable and affordable connection
Treat connectivity as essential infrastructure.
Safety and trust in the age of AI
Strengthen digital environments so people can participate with greater confidence and safety.
Build the future with rangatahi
Authentically involve young people in research, design, policy and solutions.