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A Grand Challenge for Psychology: Reducing the Age-Related Digital Divide

Year: 2022

Type: article

Abstract: World-wide population aging and rapid diffusion of digital technology have converged to produce an age-related digital divide in technology adoption, as seen in use of the internet and ownership of smartphones. Given the centrality of these technologies for full participation in modern society, reducing that gap is an important challenge for psychologists. We outline more and less malleable factors associated with technology adoption. We argue that interventions that can change both the aging user and the design of products will be necessary. Adaptive technology systems that incorporate artificial intelligence and extended reality represent promising new approaches to reducing the age-related digital divide.

Source: Current Directions in Psychological Science

DOI: 10.1177/09637214211068144

Authors: Neil Charness, Walter R. Boot

Institution: Florida State University

Language: English

Topic: Technology Use by Older Adults

Subfield: Demography

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funders: National Institute on Aging, National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research