3.1.3 Security-Minded Post-Material Users

The attitude profile of the Security-Minded Post-Material Users is strongly represented among decision-makers; 22 per cent belong to this group, a contrast to the general population where the group has less than half the share (ten per cent). They are selective Internet users with a critical, but nevertheless open fundamental attitude towards the Internet.

Security-Minded Post-Material Users are characterised by global thinking, a general openness towards other life styles and attitudes and a range of interests covering a wide span of subjects. They seek intellectual stimulation and intensive sharing of ideas and thoughts with like-minded people – including their colleagues. They have integrated digital technologies as far as possible into their everyday lives and utilise them masterfully, although very deliberately and selectively. Generally speaking, they expect a high level of quality in their consumption of material items and have an aversion to superficiality.

There is an ambivalent attitude towards the Internet among the members of this group. On the one hand, they profit from the simplification of opportunities for information and communication; on the other hand, they criticise the rapidity of digitalisation and the growing concentration of power in the hands of the few on the Internet. In their view, online activities are conducted with too little thought for consequences – they suspect that many of these activities are driven by the fear of being left behind.