Did COVID-19 Increase ICT Use Among Middle-Aged and Older Japanese?
2024

Did COVID-19 Increase ICT Use Among Middle-Aged and Older Japanese?

publication

Author Information

Author(s): Katagiri Keiko

Primary Institution: Kobe University

Hypothesis

The study aims to scrutinize the surge in ICT adoption among middle-aged and older Japanese adults during the pandemic.

Conclusion

COVID-19 has played a pivotal role in mitigating the digital schism among older adults.

Supporting Evidence

  • Participants exhibited a notable escalation in smartphone, tablet, personal computer, and WiFi utilization by 26.2%, 14.5%, 21.6%, and 24.3%, respectively.
  • 3.5%, 6.5%, 7.9%, and 34.8% of respondents commenced utilizing audio, images, videos, and online platforms, respectively, during the pandemic.
  • Favorable evaluation of internet utility, female gender, non-employment status, and initiation of audiovisual media usage during the pandemic were positively associated with increased utilization of ICT devices.

Takeaway

During the COVID-19 pandemic, older Japanese people started using technology like smartphones and computers more than before.

Methodology

An internet survey targeting individuals aged 50-69 in Tokyo and Osaka was conducted in March 2021.

Participant Demographics

Individuals aged 50-69 residing in the Tokyo and Osaka metropolitan areas.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1093/geroni/igae098.2329

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