Self-reported Changes in Use of and Attitudes Toward ICT in Three Generations in Sweden During the Early Phase of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Autor: Jens Offerman Msc, Steven M. Schmidt PhD, Susanne Iwarsson PhD, Sofi Fristedt PhD
Jazyk: angličtina
Rok vydání: 2024
Předmět:
Zdroj: Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Vol 10 (2024)
Druh dokumentu: article
ISSN: 2333-7214
23337214
DOI: 10.1177/23337214241228109
Popis: COVID-19 has affected the daily activities of people worldwide. Recommendations introduced to reduce the spread of the virus led to increased use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) to meet everyday needs. Such rapid digitalization had not been seen previously and not been possible to study before. Hence, this study aimed to identify and describe self-reported changes in usage of and attitudes toward ICT among three generations in Sweden during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, it aimed to identify whether and how belonging to a specific generation was related to these changes. A national cross-sectional survey was conducted in June 2020 with a final sample of N = 3,000, stratified into three generations (30–39, 50–59, and 70–79-year-old persons). A majority reported using digital technology more often than before the pandemic. Compared to the youngest generation, the oldest and middle-aged generations reported that they used digital technology more often than before the pandemic. Our results show which technologies were considered essential for different generations during the early phase of the pandemic. This information can be used to guide policy makers based on knowledge concerning the needs and demands for digital technologies in everyday life among people of different ages.
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