This article focuses on the issue of the increase of the older generation engaging with the internet. Significantly, people over the age of 65 are accessing the internet through using tablet computers. According to 'Adults' Media Use and Attidudes' individuals between the age demographic of 65-74 are accessing the internet through their tablets, which has rose from 5% to 17% in 2012 and 2013.
Although there is a increase of the older generation using the interent, Ofcom identified that they are less likely to interact with online activities, download TV programmes, or visit social networking sites. To add, Ofcom also found that over 65s spent less time surfuring the web compared to other generations, but majority would use the internet for emails. Moreover, according to Ofcom computers, laptops and notebooks are the most popular to access the internet as 78% are interacting through these devices. Notably, it is evident that TV is in decline because of the development of new media, however 42% of adults revealed that they would miss it if was taken away. For example, 16-24 year olds are more than three times more likely to miss their smartphones over TV, which contrasts to 65 year olds saying that they would miss watching TV.
Overall, to a great extent, it can be argued that the emergence of new media has impacted the young and older generation as more people are interacting with new devices. It is more likely for young adults to access the internet through their smartphones, but as older people are now engaging with tablets shows that new/digital media has impacted on their lifestyles. Although the older generating are interacting with new media, they are still using traditional forms of media which could show that they have not adapted to the digital age.
No comments:
Post a Comment