Attitudes, acceptance and use of everyday technologies – a generational perspectiveShow others and affiliations
2019 (English)Conference paper, Oral presentation with published abstract (Refereed)
Abstract [en]
Technology is a fixed feature in today’s world, from smart phones to the everyday technology in our homes. Research is limited regarding perceptions of and attitudes to technology among people of different generations as related to the technological developments they have experienced during their lifetime, as well as their health. It is imperative that researchers focus on this topic in order to better meet the needs of older persons in their utilization of technology. This study is the first step in an ongoing research project concerning healthy ageing and technology from a broader sense, which takes a unique generational perspective. The study aims to develop new knowledge regarding perceptions, acceptance and usage amongst people of different generations as related to the technological developments they have experienced during their lifetimes. Data was collected through several focus group interviews with participants from three age groups (30-39, 50-59 and 70-79 year olds). This exploratory method was used to capture attitudes regarding technology through group discussions and dynamics. Interviews were analysed according to qualitative content analysis and then compared using NVivo software. Preliminary findings indicate that participants do not view non-digitalized items like kitchen appliances as technology. They problematize digital technology and its development, particularly concerning issues with privacy and integrity, as well as its effect on human relationships. However, most continue to use digital technology and even name their smartphone or computer as the most in their everyday life. Explicit desires for parallel pathways and individualized solutions nonetheless pervade. The 70-79ers had less trust in digital technology while the 30-39ers voiced issues regarding social pressures and inclusions; the 50-59ers had to consciously work to keep abreast of new technology. Digital technology engages and has a high usage among different generations; however, the human perspective needs to be further involved to fill basic needs of coming generations.
Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
2019.
National Category
Occupational Therapy
Identifiers
URN: urn:nbn:se:hj:diva-46930OAI: oai:DiVA.org:hj-46930DiVA, id: diva2:1374025
Conference
International Association of Gerontology and Geriatrics European Region Congress 2019 (IAGG-ER 2019), 23rd – 25th May 2019, Gothenburg, Sweden
2019-11-282019-11-282025-10-13Bibliographically approved