Digital divide among older adults and digital feedback in the family: A study from Nanjing, China

Abstract

Using questionnaire survey data conducted in Nanjing, China, this study investigates the impact of age on the digital divide among the elderly population and explores the moderating role of intergenerational communication. Through empirical analysis, it was found that increasing age significantly reduces the probability and duration of elderly people using the internet, but intergenerational communication can alleviate this negative impact to some extent. Specifically, increasing the frequency of contact with children promotes the acceptance and use of internet technology among the elderly, while the increase in meeting frequency significantly prolongs their internet usage time. This discovery emphasizes the important role of intergenerational interaction in promoting the digital integration of the elderly, providing a scientific basis for formulating relevant policy measures aimed at narrowing the digital divide among the elderly by enhancing the quality and depth of intergenerational communication.