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[2023·´óÁ¬ÊиßÈýË«»ù²âÊÔ¾í]From train tickets to doctor's appointments, there's a growing expectation that consumers should include technology in everyday life. We take it for granted that technology brings us closer and improves our access to essential products and services. But people who can't or don't want to engage with the latest technology are being left behind.

Technology should not be allowed to drive people to the side of their own lives, as many facts suggest is increasingly the case. For example, there have been reports that some elderly people no longer drive to their local parks, because they cannot download the car parking app required.  Obviously, age is one big predictor of digital exclusion (Êý×ÖÅųâ). Only 47% of those aged 75 and over use the Internet regularly. Out of the 4 million who have never used the Internet in the UK,  only 300£¬000 people are under 55. But older people aren't the only ones feeling shut out.

Concerns about privacy can stop people using technology as well. A survey into consumers' trust in businesses showed no industry reached a trust rating of 50% for data protection.  Some people view “forced”digitalization as a symbol of consumer culture and limit their contact with it; also, many people take a “less is more”approach to technology simply because they feel it offers a more meaningful existence. They all belong to a population group that often slips people's mind in related discussions. No one could discount, however, one factor—poverty. Some regions, particularly rural ones, even struggle for phone signals. The UK phone network's plans for a digital switchover could cut off people who rely on their landlines.

 The solution is not simply to give devices to those without smart technology. While there's a need to provide affordable Internet access and technology, we need to recognize diversity in society. Services should provide non­digital selections that reflect equality. Local councils, healthcare providers and businesses should understand more about the diversity of consumers and develop services that meet the needs of all people. After all, access to and inclusion in society is a human right.

1£®Why is the example of the elderly mentioned in Paragraph 2?

A£®To provide a proof.

B£®To explain a fact.

C£®To make a comparison.

D£®To confirm a prediction.

2£®Who are most easily ignored in terms of digital exclusion?

A£®Those worrying about privacy issues.

B£®Those trying to use technology less.

C£®Those opposing digitalization in life.

D£®Those failing to access smart technology.

3£®What does the author suggest in the last paragraph?

A£®Slowing the pace of the technological shift.

B.Asking for opinions from diverse consumers.

C.Improving access to the Internet and technology.

D.Offering services with online and offline options.

4£®Which can be the best title for the text?

A£®Life sees two­edged effect from digitalization

B.Social barriers arise following technological shifts

C£®Technology is excluding a significant minority

D.The digital divide grows into a common problem