Have your say on these MetroTalk topics and more in the comments.
The pitfalls of technology that gatekeeps access
I agree with James (MetroTalk, Tue) about AI and the digital world leaving some people behind.
I work with homeless people and there’s no way our most vulnerable people can cope with everything being online.
Many people who are homeless will have disabilities, which may mean reading is difficult but also having a phone and internet access and keeping it when you are of no fixed abode is very hard.
Some councils in London only tell you the address of where you will sleep that night by phone or email – disregarding people who don’t have a phone or can’t use one due to domestic violence, for example.
Most councils put people on hold for hours and often when you select that you want to speak to a human, the system will tell you to go online and then hang up.
Our housing benefit, council tax and homeless applications are all online. Even the e-visa scheme needs an iPhone 7 or equivalent to download the app, an email and smart phone, to get your visa.
Biometric passes and passports don’t count anymore.
If you are a refugee sleeping rough you may not be able to keep hold of a phone or remember an email.
Technology is not always better, it is gatekeeping and the most vulnerable people fall through the ever-widening gaps. Sophie, London
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In my 70s and not tech illiterate
James says it’s his elderly parents who are left anxious by organisations’ increasing use of AI and chatbots.
I’m not sure where his parents have been the last 20 or so years since home computers were available but I think it’s a stretch too far to say people in their 70s have trouble understanding the internet.
I’m in my 70s and have been using computers at home and at work since my 40s. I was also responsible for implementing and training much younger colleagues on new software systems. All my friends are quite capable of understanding a computer.
Please stop this idea that people don’t know anything once they are over 65. Marianne Kellett, Dalmeny
Phillip Schofield is despicable for blaming his brother for his downfall (Metro, Tue).
He made the claims on Cast Away, a Channel 5 three-parter in which he’s left on a desert island.
The former presenter says it was publicity about his paedophile brother that got him sacked from This Morning, not his ‘unwise but not illegal’ affair with a younger member of production staff. It was completely his own doing. He is just feeling sorry for himself by trying to get back on TV. Hopefully it won’t work. Hecan just stay on that island for all I care.
And while we’re on the telly, I’m so pleased that Amanda Abbington has been vindicated over her claims of being bullied while on Strictly Come Dancing.
The real bullies, though, are the people who gave her abuse on social media without knowing the facts. Ian Howard, West Yorkshire
Marx is a start…
It’s great that Graham (MetroTalk, Wed) is educating himself on economic systems by reading Marx and Adam Smith but the failure of our current system means that people have to read wider.
A good place to start would be the work of Herman Daly, the founding father of ‘ecological economics’. Better still, listen to a podcast about him. There is a great one by Economics In Ten. If we want to change the world for the better, we need to read theories that relate to now rather than the 19th or 18th century! Gavin, Knebworth
Ask yourself this if you disagree with means testing the OAP winter fuel allowance…
Mr Hughes (MetroTalk, Tue) sees the means testing of the winter fuel allowance for OAPs as a political mistake.
My husband and I are in our late 70s, with modest occupational pensions, and strongly support this policy.
Those arguing against it should ask themselves how many pensioners they know who will be badly affected. And then ask what are they doing to help them claim Pension Credit, or if not eligible, helping directly by, eg setting up local energy banks, like food banks?
If more people thought about what they could put in, rather than what they feel entitled to take out, the government might stand a chance of achieving their aims. C and C Achard, Maidstone (Not Labour Party Members)
Addressing the real safety concerns of the road
Mike (MetroTalk, Wed) says if confusing road markings slow down cars they have done what they are supposed to do.
This is symptomatic of the wrong approach to road safety that equates low speed with safety.
Surely a driver who pays attention to their surroundings is better than one who is distracted by what is on the road.
In in the same vein, 20mph limits in London are accompanied by signs that say ‘Working to make London streets safer’ but all they do is catch those who are spotted by speed cameras.
As a cyclist, pedestrian and car driver, it is abundantly clear that poor driving and terrible road layouts are by far the biggest safety issues. But addressing these requires real work. Daniel Blamont, Clapham
A little positivity for commuters who listen
I don’t often travel in London but on Tuesday last week, I was revisiting my past and arrived on a train heading to Stratford from Leyton at just after 8am.
The live message that was announced was so upbeat and joyous that I feel I have to congratulate the young man who was making these positive announcements.
He was informative but also encouraged passengers to smile, to have a great day and to act with kindness. He should be congratulated by TfL and his lovely upbeat messages used up and down the network.
Perhaps people might look up from their phones and take note. It certainly made my day. I thought TfL stood for Transport for London but now I realise it stands for Thanks For Laughter. Sarah Thompson, Hadleigh
Ha ha ha
Julian (MetroTalk, Wed) reckons Liam and Noel would recommend Definitely Maybelline to his mates for their gig make-up. If they wanted to play a couple of covers but updated to reflect the modern age how about E-cigarettes And Alcolock. Or The Importance Of Being Bone Idle? Dec, Essex
I was going to work for the air ambulance but I didn’t like the rotas. Jeff, Nuneaton
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