Evaluate the sociological view that older people have benefitted from advances in digital forms of communication.
OCR
A Level
2022
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Essay Outline: Have Older People Benefited from Advances in Digital Communication?
This essay will evaluate the sociological view that older people have benefitted from advances in digital forms of communication. It will explore both the positive and negative impacts of digital technology on the lives of older adults, considering factors such as access, usage, and social implications.
Introduction:
Introduce the topic: the relationship between digital communication and older people. - Briefly define "digital forms of communication" (internet, social media, smartphones, etc.). - State the debate: While some argue that technology has benefitted older adults, others see negative consequences. - Thesis statement: Acknowledge the benefits of digital technology for older adults but argue that these benefits are not universally experienced, with significant disparities and challenges.
Arguments for Benefits:
Increased Connectedness and Social Support:
- Cite evidence: Growing internet use among older people (Berry, 2011), websites designed for older adults (Finerday), positive impact of social media on older populations (Miller). - Explain the benefits: reduced isolation, connecting with family and friends, building relationships (Chopik, 2016). - Analyze: Digital technology can combat loneliness and promote social well-being, especially for those living alone or geographically separated.
Convenience and Enhanced Access:
- Cite evidence: Technology makes it easier to reach people, stay in touch, and meet new people (Cotton, 2013, Vagner, 2010, Sum, 2008). - Explain the benefits: convenience in accessing information, completing tasks (Sum, 2008), ordering prescriptions online (Centre for Research on Families and Relationships, 2016). - Analyze: Technology empowers older adults to manage their lives more efficiently, participate in activities they enjoy, and stay informed about their surroundings.
Positive Psychological Impacts:
- Cite evidence: Links between internet use and lower depression, higher life satisfaction, social support (Shaw and Gant, 2002, Vosner, 2016). - Explain the benefits: Digital communication can provide a sense of purpose and connection, mitigating feelings of isolation and loneliness. - Analyze: The psychological benefits of technology, particularly for older adults, are significant, contributing to overall well-being and happiness.
Arguments for Challenges:
The Digital Divide:
- Cite evidence: Lower internet access among older generations compared to younger generations (Berry, 2011), cost barriers (Centre of Economic and Business Research, 2015). - Explain the challenges: Inequalities in access and digital literacy create a digital divide, disproportionately affecting older adults with limited resources. - Analyze: This divide hinders older adults from fully benefiting from the advantages of online communication and participation.
Fear and Intimidation:
- Cite evidence: Many older adults feel anxious and intimidated about using new technologies (Vroman, 2015, Braum, 2013), lack of digital literacy (Age UK, 2015). - Explain the challenges: The rapid pace of technological change can be overwhelming, leading to feelings of inadequacy and exclusion. - Analyze: Addressing these anxieties is crucial to bridge the digital gap and ensure inclusive digital participation for older generations.
Social Isolation and Negative Impacts:
- Cite evidence: Social media replacing actual communication (Centre for Research on Families and Relationships, 2016), exclusion from online activities (Damant and Knapp, 2015). - Explain the challenges: While technology offers connection, it can also lead to isolation, displacement of real-life interactions, and exclusion from online communities. - Analyze: The unintended consequences of digital technology should be carefully considered to prevent further marginalization of older adults.
Conclusion:
- Summarize the key arguments presented: Digital communication offers benefits but also challenges for older adults. - Reiterate thesis: While some older people have benefitted significantly, the digital divide and other challenges limit access and create inequalities. - Offer a concluding statement: Addressing these challenges through education, accessibility programs, and inclusive technological design is essential to ensure all older adults can benefit from the advantages of digital communication.
References:
List all cited sources in the format required by your institution.
Have Older People Benefitted from Advances in Digital Communication?
The advent of digital forms of communication, particularly the internet and social media, has drastically reshaped social interaction. While these advances have undeniably brought numerous benefits, their impact on older generations is a complex and nuanced issue. This essay will evaluate the sociological view that older people have benefited from these changes, considering both the positive and negative aspects.
Benefits for Older People
Proponents of the view that older people have benefited from digital communication cite increased connectivity and social engagement as key advantages. Research indicates a growing number of older adults are utilizing the internet. Berry (2011) highlights websites designed to encourage participation among older demographics, mitigating feelings of loneliness and isolation. This is echoed by Miller, who emphasizes the profound positive impact of social networking sites in connecting older people with friends and family. Platforms like Finerday specifically cater to this demographic, facilitating contact with loved ones and carers.
Furthermore, digital communication can empower older generations by providing access to information and services. Sum (2008) argues that technology enhances convenience in seeking information. For instance, online platforms simplify tasks like ordering prescriptions, a boon for the elderly and disabled as highlighted by the Centre for Research on Families and Relationships (2016). This increased agency and independence contribute to a greater sense of well-being and life satisfaction.
Studies by Shaw and Gant (2002) and Vosner (2016) demonstrate the positive correlation between internet use and improved psychological health among older adults. Online engagement combats loneliness, fosters social support, and provides a sense of purpose. Moreover, Olson (2011) observes that some older adults are just as tech-savvy as their younger counterparts, dispelling the stereotype of the technologically-challenged senior.
Challenges and Disadvantages
Despite these benefits, it is crucial to acknowledge the challenges hindering digital inclusion for a significant portion of the older population. Berry (2011) points to a "digital generational divide," evidenced by the stark disparity in internet access between age groups. This digital gap is further exacerbated by factors like cost, as highlighted by the Centre for Economic and Business Research (2015), and a lack of digital literacy. Age UK's (2015) survey revealed that a significant percentage of non-internet users among the elderly cited complexity and a lack of knowledge as barriers.
This lack of accessibility can lead to further marginalization. Carter argues that the rapid pace of technological advancement necessitates continuous efforts and funding to ensure older generations can participate fully. Without adequate support, the digitally excluded risk being left behind, unable to benefit from the opportunities offered by online services and communication.
Furthermore, some sociologists, including Riley (1994) and Age UK (2015), posit that reliance on digital communication can inadvertently isolate older adults who are already vulnerable to social exclusion. Overdependence on online interactions may replace face-to-face contact, potentially impacting the quality of relationships and exacerbating feelings of loneliness.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while digital communication presents undeniable benefits for older people, such as increased connectivity, access to information, and improved well-being, it is essential to approach the notion of universal benefit with caution. The existence of a digital divide, characterized by unequal access, affordability issues, and a lack of digital literacy, creates significant barriers for a substantial portion of the older population. To ensure that technological advancements truly benefit all generations, it is crucial to address these inequalities and promote digital inclusion through targeted support and education. Only then can we harness the power of digital communication to enhance the lives of older people fully.
Free Mark Scheme Extracts
AO1: Knowledge and understanding
Candidates should consider whether older people have benefitted from advances in digital forms of communication.
- More older people are using the internet; Berry, 2011
- Websites being designed to encourage participation and benefits include less isolation from friends and family.
- Positive impact of social networking sites on older sections of population can be profound; Miller
- Finerday social networking site helping older generations maintain contact with families, carers
- Social networking can enrich lives of older adults - facilitating better interpersonal relationships; Chopik, 2016
- Increasing number of older adults acknowledge the benefits of technology use e.g. technology makes it easier to reach people, stay in touch and meet new people; Cotton, 2013, Vagner, 2010, Sum, 2008
- Technology enhances convenience in seeking out information; Sum, 2008
- Increasing numbers of older people believe benefits of technology greatly outweigh the costs and challenges; Mitzner, 2010
- Some older people use technology as often as younger adults; Olson, 2011
- Positive effects of internet on psychological health: Shaw and Gant; 2002
- Using Internet may be associated with lower depression and loneliness and higher levels of social support, life satisfaction, purpose in life, and social life. Using technology can prevent feelings of loneliness; Vosner, 2016
- Opportunities face time family members living elsewhere; Centre for Research on Families and Relationships, 2016
- Ease of access for elderly and disabled order to prescriptions online; Centre for Research on Families and Relationships, 2016
- Other reasonable response.
AO2: Application
The selected knowledge should be directly specific to the question - view that older people have benefitted from advances in digital forms of communication.
AO3: Analysis and evaluation
Arguments challenging the view that older people have benefitted from advances in digital forms of communication
- There is a digital generational divide in terms of access to the internet fewer older people than younger generations have benefitted from advances in digital forms of communication; Berry, 2011
- 79% of households below state pension age have internet access, compared to 37% above state pension age; Berry, 2011
- Many older adults feel anxious and intimidated by thought of using new technologies; Vroman, 2015, Braum, 2013
- 50% in Age UK survey who did not use the internet said, ‘I don’t know how to use it,’ over a third said it was ‘too complicated.’ Age UK, 2015
- Costs for elderly can be prohibitive Centre of Economic and Business Research 2015, Centre for Research on Families and Relationships, 2016
- Digital literacy not universal amongst the older generation, those in poverty can become marginalised; Carter
- Speed of change requires renewed efforts to help people get online, and stay online, this needs adequate and sustainable funding; Age UK, 2015
- Knowledge gap as the older generations are no longer regarded as wise;’ Friedman, 2007
- Older generations less receptive to DC and youth have more status than their grandparent’s generation; Boellstorff, Berry
- Technological advances may even further isolate older adults from society; Riley, 1994, Age UK, 2015
- People use social media in place of actual communication impacts negatively on older members of society; Centre for Research on Families and Relationships, 2016
- Elderly can be excluded from routine activities e.g. online banking, online shopping, access to information - can lead to feelings of loneliness; Damant and Knapp, 2015
- Older generation might find it difficult to use internet, need to design technological devices customized for older adults – e.g. use large fonts; Berry, 2011, Young, 2017
- Other reasonable response