Montserrat Celdrán, Dean of the Faculty of Psychology at the University of Barcelona and an expert in psychogerontology and the psychology of ageing, takes part in the “Desconnectats” documentary aired on the 30 minuts programme on 3Cat. The report examines the inequalities generated by the digital divide across different population groups.

In her contribution, Celdrán highlights the everyday challenges faced by many older adults in the context of the rapid digitalisation of services and social interactions. As she explains in the programme, situations that seem simple—such as asking family members for help with a mobile phone—can lead to feelings of dependence and guilt:

“You ask your children or grandchildren how to do something with the mobile phone and they say: ‘Like this. Don’t you see?’ And you’re left just the same, with the remorse of not knowing how to do it.”

Celdrán stresses that this issue cannot fall solely on families or private support systems. She underscores the need for the public sector to take responsibility in ensuring that no one is excluded from essential services.

The documentary “Desconnectats” shows how the digital divide disproportionately affects older people, individuals with disabilities and groups with fewer resources. In Catalonia, nearly half of the population lacks basic digital skills, and 8% have never used the internet—figures that reveal the scale of the challenge.

Broadcast on 23 November 2025, the episode also presents everyday experiences and international examples—such as the case of Estonia—that illustrate how technology can become a tool for inclusion when equitable access is guaranteed.

🔗 Watch the full documentary here.