Bridging Generations by Crossing the Intergenerational Digital Divide

Older people often want their social worlds to include relationships with younger generations. They enjoy all the time spent with their children and their grandchildren. They want their network of friends to include not just persons their age but also those at other stages in their lives. They pursue mentoring opportunities so they can share their knowledge of life with the entire age spectrum.  

Altogether, they feel that such intergenerational social connections will help them feel more productive and self-fulfilled, enabling them to feel a greater sense of belonging in what they perceive as a youth-oriented society. They may believe these social connections are essential for their happiness, if only because they make it possible for them to fend off feelings of loneliness.  

For those older people striving to interact more with the younger set, there is reason to feel optimistic. Although those in later life often are apprehensive at how fast their societies are changing, technological advancements will make it easier for them to pursue their intergenerational social relationships. 

New Technologies Make it Easier to Connect Socially 

The basis for this prediction is the recognition that older people are steadily increasing their use of digital communication media, particularly since the pandemic. They have become more frequent users of iPads, smartphones, and internet-enabled computers. They are much more comfortable with "virtual" video communications through social media platforms such as FaceTime, Skype, Zoom, and TikTok.

Although they may still lag behind younger populations' adoption rates, older individuals are coming to grips with the reality that keeping up with technological change is as crucial as literary competence was for earlier generations. 

As older people increasingly embrace these new ways to communicate, their social relationships with the young should increase in number and importance for three reasons.  

First, accomplishing their intergenerational social relationships will be less restricted by large geographical distances separating them from their destinations, unaffordable or absent transportation options, or individual mobility limitations.

Digital media allows spontaneous "face-to-face" video communications between older people and their younger family members, friends, or those they mentor. They can enjoy all the intimacy-at-a-distance benefits of these exchanges by sharing their personal experiences and perspectives, viewing photos, and participating in the activities of the young—from babies to middle-aged adults—without leaving their homes.  

As one expert shared, "The growing intergenerational nature of social media has been beneficial in allowing a place for older people to build relationships based on common interests rather than [the constraints of] age. The future of social media is an intergenerational one." 

Second, when older people rely on these digital solutions, young people are more likely to welcome their social overtures.

Unsurprisingly, earlier generations feel more comfortable talking about their interests and activities and receiving guidance when they rely on social platforms—devices and apps—that are so part of their everyday lives. Moreover, they can benefit from personal and educational mentoring advice in whatever settings they feel most comfortable—at home, school, workplaces, clubs, or places of worship. The difficulties older people might face getting to these places are no longer a barrier. 

Third, compared to previous older generations, today's elders have a new, although possibly self-serving reason, for engaging in social exchanges with the young. Although older people use the latest digital devices more frequently, they often lack confidence in their technological know-how. 

They may become frustrated or annoyed due to their less-than-user-friendly operation and the need to cope with tech-user glitches and barriers. They are also likely more anxious about privacy and security issues. They often need to be convinced that getting accustomed to these digital devices is worth their time and energy.  

However, when they experience these concerns and difficulties, they often do not know where to turn for help. Even when they can identify private companies or senior citizen organizations that offer assistance, dealing with these unknown entities can be a source of anxiety. They fear being exploited or scammed.  

These tech challenges open up a potential pathway for nurturing intergenerational social relations and capitalizing on the young-old digital divide.

Older people can turn to the tech prowess of the young, who can help them overcome their fears and uncertainties as digital device users. At the same time, young people feel more valued and competent because of these advising responsibilities. It is the traditional old-helping-young mentoring relationship in reverse. 

A Brighter Future for Intergenerational Social Relations 

The increasing use of new digital communication solutions by older people has great potential to make intergenerational social relations more feasible, productive, and rewarding—with both older and younger people benefiting.  

By bridging the gaps between the diverse worlds of the young and old, these social exchanges will challenge ageist beliefs that those in later life can no longer participate actively and productively in our rapidly changing society.