At Community Tech Network, we recognize the benefits that technology can have on the lives of older adults. However, as we work to help the aging community get online, we’ve seen firsthand that the internet can initially seem daunting to those who have never used it and technophobia is always lingering. This blog will look at the fear of technology among older adults.
In order to encourage older adults to embrace technology, one must also acknowledge the concerns that they may have.
Some of the most common fears that older adults have surrounding technology are:
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Fear of the Unknown
For older adults who haven’t grown up with the internet, the digital world is unfamiliar territory. Some folks may be overwhelmed by all the complexities of the technology and not know where to even start in their digital journey. To address this fear, it is important for instructors to be patient and keep things simple. There are also many user-friendly devices and applications that were specifically designed with older adults in mind.
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Privacy and Security Concerns
One in three people over the age of 50 report privacy concerns as their barrier to getting online. With internet scams constantly mentioned in the news, it makes sense that older adults are worried about their personal information falling into the wrong hands. Teachers and loved ones can validate the seniors’ feelings by recognizing that scams do occasionally happen, but they can assure the learner that such happenings are rare, so long as the user knows how to stay safe online. Pairing basic digital skills classes with instruction about cybersecurity can help older adults feel more confident when navigating the web. For example, when explaining how to shop online, instructors can ask guiding questions like “How can we tell if this website is safe?”
To learn more about internet safety, check out our blogs with 15 common online scams that older adults often face, as well as general tips for avoiding scams.
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Worries About “Breaking Something”
For some, unfamiliarity can translate to anxiety and lack of confidence when faced with technology. Given the expensive nature of devices, this concern is also understandable. It is important to respond to older adults compassionately and foster an environment in which it is okay to make controlled, harmless mistakes. For instance, when looking something up on Google, one might unknowingly click on an ad that is irrelevant to their search. Rather than simply saying, “No! No! Don’t click that!,” instructors can calmly allow for it to happen and then help the learner understand the difference between ads and organic search results.
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Fear of Losing Connection
Many older adults often say that they don’t want to become like the younger generations that are “glued to their phones.” They say that they don’t need technology and prefer to keep in touch with people in person. While face-to-face connection is incredibly important, seniors should be reminded of the new opportunities for communication that technology brings. For example, for older adults with children or grandchildren living in a different city, video calls can be life-changing and allow individuals to stay in touch like never before.
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In general, it is important to remind older adults that they are not alone — their fears are common. When possible, it is great to connect seniors with peers in the same age group who are on the other side of the digital divide — those who were also afraid of technology but have now adopted it and see the benefits that it has brought to their lives.
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