A tale of two divides: Technology experiences among racially and socioeconomically diverse older adults

Shelia R. Cotten, Jessica Francis, Travis Kadylak, R. V. Rikard, Tim Huang, Christopher Ball, Julia DeCook

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Using information and communication technologies (ICTs) can improve older adults’ overall well-being and can be a catalyst for social integration and inclusion into society. While older adults are often compared to other age cohorts, based on previous digital divide research, there may be a significant amount of variation within older adult populations with regards to their ICT experiences, attitudes, and uses. Our study seeks to explore the potential gap by examining and comparing ICT uses, views, and experiences among older adults from diverse racial/ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds. Four semi-structured focus groups (n = 40) were conducted with older adults from two separate cities in Mid-Michigan in the United States: Greater Lansing area and Detroit. Our findings reveal that older adults’ experiences, uses, and perceptions about ICTs differ down racial and socio-economic lines. Our study demonstrates that there are potential sub-divides within traditionally digitally divided populations.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationHuman Aspects of IT for the Aged Population
Subtitle of host publicationDesign for Aging - 2nd International Conference, ITAP 2016 and Held as Part of HCI International 2016, Proceedings
EditorsJia Zhou, Gavriel Salvendy
PublisherSpringer
Pages167-177
Number of pages11
ISBN (Print)9783319399423
DOIs
StatePublished - 2016
Externally publishedYes
Event2nd International Conference on Human Aspects of IT for the Aged Population, ITAP 2016 and held as a part of 18th International Conference on Human-Computer Interaction, HCI International 2016 - Toronto, Canada
Duration: Jul 17 2016Jul 22 2016

Publication series

NameLecture Notes in Computer Science (including subseries Lecture Notes in Artificial Intelligence and Lecture Notes in Bioinformatics)
Volume9754
ISSN (Print)0302-9743
ISSN (Electronic)1611-3349

Other

Other2nd International Conference on Human Aspects of IT for the Aged Population, ITAP 2016 and held as a part of 18th International Conference on Human-Computer Interaction, HCI International 2016
Country/TerritoryCanada
CityToronto
Period7/17/167/22/16

Keywords

  • Digital divide
  • ICTs
  • Older adults
  • Race
  • Socioeconomic status

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Theoretical Computer Science
  • General Computer Science

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