Learning to closing the digital divide - interplay of social and cultural capital among older digital immigrants in Hong Kong

Abstract

The issue of the digital divide has been a topic of discussion in Hong Kong and around the world since the early 2000s. Middle-aged and older adults, aged 55 or above, are often considered a disadvantaged group that is more likely to be excluded from technological development compared to younger generations of digital immigrants. In this conference paper, we present findings from a focus group study of 145 adults aged 55 years or older in Hong Kong. Our aim is to reflect on the negative image associated with this group and discuss the social and cultural conditions that affect their process of learning to use smartphones. Our study reveals that in a relatively affluent context like Hong Kong, infrastructural constraints are less significant. Instead, social capital and cultural capital play important roles in enabling middle-aged and older adults to learn how to use smartphones. Both informal and formal social networks contribute to the learning process of older adults. Family, peer support, and non-governmental organizations provide them with knowledge about smartphone usage. Each network has a different impact on shaping the older adults’ experience of adapting to new technology. The motivation to socially connect with these networks also drives middle-aged and older adults to adapt to new technology. Furthermore, the emergence of new technology does not represent a complete break from the past. The cultural capital accumulated from previous experiences in media use at work and at home continues to operate and transform when using new technologyThe issue of the digital divide has been a topic of discussion in Hong Kong and around the world since the early 2000s. Middle-aged and older adults, aged 55 or above, are often considered a disadvantaged group that is more likely to be excluded from technological development compared to younger generations of digital immigrants. In this conference paper, we present findings from a focus group study of 145 adults aged 55 years or older in Hong Kong. Our aim is to reflect on the negative image associated with this group and discuss the social and cultural conditions that affect their process of learning to use smartphones. Our study reveals that in a relatively affluent context like Hong Kong, infrastructural constraints are less significant. Instead, social capital and cultural capital play important roles in enabling middle-aged and older adults to learn how to use smartphones. Both informal and formal social networks contribute to the learning process of older adults. Family, peer support, and non-governmental organizations provide them with knowledge about smartphone usage. Each network has a different impact on shaping the older adults’ experience of adapting to new technology. The motivation to socially connect with these networks also drives middle-aged and older adults to adapt to new technology. Furthermore, the emergence of new technology does not represent a complete break from the past. The cultural capital accumulated from previous experiences in media use at work and at home continues to operate and transform when using new technology.