The relationship between digital divide and age (Literature Review Pt. 2)

It is often believed that the digital divide exists between the so-called digital generation and the older generation. According to a May study by the Pew Internet and American Life Project (2013), only 56 percent of American seniors over 65 are online, compared with 83 percent of people aged 50 to 64, 92 percent of people 30 to 49 and 98 percent of 18-to-29 year olds. In line with these statistics, Hargittai (2002) concludes that age is negatively associated with one’s level of Internet skills, therefore causes the digital divide between the two generations. The digital divide between old and young is documented by Lenhart et al. (2000) and the U.S. Department of Commerce (NTIA, 2000).

Those over age 65 have never had the opportunity to acquaint themselves with the Internet at school and lag behind in their ownership and use of computers and the Internet as well as their digital skills (De Haan, 2001). This digital divide is even more severe when it comes to mobile. Only 18 percent of American seniors use smartphones, according to a Pew studyreleased in June, compared with 55 percent of Americans aged 45 to 54, 69 percent of Americans 35 to 44 and about 80 percent of Americans 18 to 34. Age is shown to be significantly associated not just with access, but with a tendency to pursue a more narrow range of personal goals online. ( Van Deursen, Van Dijk & Peters, 2010)

According to Millward (2003), it was a “fear” of new technology that hesitates the older generation. One of the big obstacles is that, there are a lot of them saying ‘People of my age do not take kindly to these technologies - sometimes it just scares them, like a rabbit in a headlight’. In terms of being on the wrong side of the digital divide is that no one had to convince young people they were missing out on something. Their peers were online and they got the sense there was all sorts of stuff they were missing. Older people too often believe ‘there’s nothing in it for me. Why should I deal with the hassle of a new bill or a new technology or another damn remote,’ let alone the trouble of learning all this stuff.

Therefore, the real barrier of access is a lack of Internet skills, which eventually results in digital divide. It is likely that an apparent lack of Internet skills and confidence could create a feeling that the Internet is "only for the young." Hence a barrier of personal protection could be erected by reporting a lack of interest in the Web.

The digital divide between different age groups, especially the disadvantaged position that older people is on, has raised concerns in a lot of developing countries. Studies by Cody et al. (1999) suggests that providing training to the older may increase their willingness to use the Internet, and that increases in seniors’ well-being can result from activity online. For example, a voluntary organization called Age UK Camden has served the interests of all older citizens in London Borough of Camden to help them get connected with the other generation.

Cody, M. J., Dunn, D., Hoppin, S., & Wendt, P. (1999). Silver surfers: Training and         evaluating Internet use among older adult learners. Communication Education, 48,           269-286.

De Haan, J. 2001. IT Use. In: M. de Klerk, Report on the Elderly in the Netherlands 2001,           Den Haag: SCP, 213-231

GovIntOrg. (2013, March 08). Digital inclusion: How age uk camden helps older people   to connect. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zhx-uqDjvBI

Hargittai E (2002) Second-level digital divide: Differences in people’s online skills. First   Monday 7(4).

Lenhart, A., Rainie, L., Fox, S., Horrigan, J., & Spooner, T. (2000, September  21). Who’s not online: 57% of those without Internet access say they do not plan to log on [Online]. Available: http://www.pewinternet.org

PEW INTERNET & AMERICAN LIFE PROJECT. (2013). Who's online: Internet user   demographics. Retrieved from http://www.pewinternet.org/Static-Pages/Trend-      Data-(Adults)/Whos-Online.aspx

PEW INTERNET & AMERICAN LIFE PROJECT. (2013). 56% of american adults are now smartphone owners. Retrieved from http://pewinternet.org/Reports/2013/Smartphone-Ownership-2013/Findings.aspx

 Millward, P. (2003) ‘The 'grey digital divide': Perception, exclusion and barriers of access to the Internet for older people’ First Monday 8(7) www.firstmonday.org/issues/issue8_7/millward/

Van Deursen, A. M., Van Dijk, J. M., & Peters, O. (2010). The Older the Better:              Rethinking Internet Skills. The Role of Gender, Age, Education, Internet           Experience, and Internet Use (TOP Faculty Paper). Conference Papers --   International Communication Association, 1.