6533b7dcfe1ef96bd1272a9c
RESEARCH PRODUCT
Exploring heterogeneous ICT use among older adults: The warm experts’ perspective
Riitta HänninenSakari TaipaleRaija Luostarisubject
familyperheenjäsenet020205 medical informaticsSociology and Political Sciencetieto- ja viestintätekniikka050801 communication & media studies02 engineering and technology0508 media and communications0202 electrical engineering electronic engineering information engineeringSociologyEveryday lifeomaksuminenwarm expertbusiness.industryCommunicationaging05 social sciencesPerspective (graphical)Public relationsdigitaalitekniikkatukimuodotikääntyminenInformation and Communications TechnologyICTohjaus (neuvonta ja opastus)digital technologybusinessikääntyneetdescription
In this article, we (1) examine the various forms of support required by older users (75+) of digital technology and (2) provide a concrete, everyday life rationale for why warm experts play such a pivotal role in the processes of adopting and using ICT. Although warm experts are usually not older adults themselves, they provide an important mediating view on the technology use among older people that has not been rigorously addressed in previous studies. Thus, in our analysis we examine the younger family members’ views on acting as warm experts to their older family members. The research data consist of 22 extended group interviews (EGI) and observation carried out in Finland. Based on our analysis, we argue that older adults use ICT in very heterogeneous ways and that the roles bestowed upon warm experts can be understood precisely through this heterogeneity.
| year | journal | country | edition | language |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020-05-06 | New Media & Society |