How older adult information and communication technology users are impacted by aging stereotypes: A multigenerational perspective

Abstract

Older adults (those aged 65 years and above) are stereotyped as warm but incompetent, particularly in their use of modern information and communication technologies (ICTs). Interpretative interactionist data from 17 cases of older adult ICT use suggests that older adults are aware of these stereotypes. Each of these cases included an older adult (the primary participant of each case) and, if possible, two to three individuals the person used ICTs within their relationship (family members, friends, and/or coworkers). Those surrounding the older adults often spoke about older adult ICT use in stereotypical terms, seeing skilled older adult ICT users as exceptional. The most highly skilled advanced ICT users were most likely to have internalized these ageist technology stereotypes.