PATTERNS OF SOCIAL COMMUNICATION IN MINORITY ADULTS: ASSISTIVE AND INTERACTIVE TECHNOLOGY USE DURING COVID-19

Abstract

Abstract Literature suggests aging adults are more likely to be socially isolated, particularly given the COVID-19 pandemic. This has been associated with diminished well-being and increased morbidity and mortality. Assistive and interactive technologies (AITs) may help reduce isolation by bolstering communication. However, rapid advancement of AITs can create new barriers, especially for marginalized/underserved communities. The purpose of this study was to explore isolation and AITs in a majority-non-white sample. Data collected were part of a larger survey. Participants (N=80: Non-White=92.5%, Black=36.5%, Hispanic=36.5%) completed a Qualtrics survey via Amazon Mechanical Turk. Respondents included younger (YA: N=34, ages:19-34, M=27.7±4.6), middle-aged (MA: N=27, ages:35-49, M=41.9±4.1), and older (OA: N=20, ages:50-70, M=57.6±6.5) adults. Surveys consisted of likert-style and free-response questions. Content analysis with inductive coding was performed independently by two reviewers. Qualitative results suggested most adults used AITs regularly. Phone-based functions (texting/calling, smartphone-use) were favored for communication between 2020-2021. These functions were the largest group reported for all ages, although YA reported them more frequently (65%) compared to MA (48%) and OA (59%). Data also suggested that people had more in-person interaction at the time of survey completion (majority September 2021), compared to one-year previous (46.4%). Increased distanced socialization negatively correlated with overall socialization (r(78)=-.231, p=.05). Results suggest that although AITs are widely used, they may not adequately reduce isolation, particularly for those relying on them for primary contact. This may be especially true for underrepresented adults. Future research should investigate if this trend is universal and if existing AITs are sub-optimal in specific populations.