ICTs as an intergenerational link

Abstract

This study aims to examine the characteristics of grandparent-grandchild relationships made possible by Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). An online questionnaire survey gathered the views of 169 grandmothers and grandfathers on their equipment and ICT skills in a generic way and on their family relationships; on the other hand, their relationship with one of their grandchildren according to the ICTs used and the relational functions performed, particularly according to the age of the grandchild chosen. The grandparents who responded to our survey are very well equipped and master ICTs. They frequently use them for both personal and family use. They communicate with their grandchildren in ways that are adapted to the grandchild's age and autonomy, are more intense with the youngest grandchildren, and encourage a resumption of exchanges in later adolescence. While the choice of communication modalities depends in part on the age of the grandchild, the relational functions provided seem to be more structured by the developmental stage of the grandchild than by the technical characteristics of ICTs. Our data also confirm that while ICTs can maintain a link with geographically distant grandchildren, they mainly enrich an otherwise existing relationship.