Technology has now become a big part of our lives. With this, digital literacy has become essential. Younger generations may not find it challenging, but older adults do, which creates a technology gap.
This digital divide can leave older adults vulnerable to scams and privacy breaches. Younger family members often step in to help. However, this can often be challenging.
ExpressVPN wanted to better understand this generational gap. So, the team surveyed 5,000 people across many countries. The results reveal the extent of the digital literacy gap and highlight the need to bridge this divide.
How Big Is the Generational Gap When It Comes to Technology?
As revealed by ExpressVPN, digital literacy varies across generations and countries. Some generations feel more confident than others when using technology. Respondents from Spain reported the lowest confidence. In comparison, those from the US and Italy reported high levels of digital literacy.
Technology Gap and Younger Millennials (ages 27-34)
Younger Millennials demonstrate a strong understanding of digital technology. In countries like France and Italy, confidence is particularly high. Around 80% of respondents feel they have a solid grasp on tech. However, Spain lags behind. Only 66% expressed the same level of confidence.
Digital Literacy Among Older Millennials (ages 35-42)
Confidence remains relatively high among older Millennials, especially in the US and Italy. But there’s a noticeable dip in Spain. Only 57% of Spanish respondents in this age group feel confident navigating technology.
Technology Gap and Generation X (ages 43-58)
Generation X shows a significant decline in confidence. Less than half of the respondents in France and Spain believe they understand technology. Even in the US, where confidence is typically higher, only 63% feel they have a good grasp. This generation, which witnessed the shift from analog to digital, might find the rapid pace of technological change harder to navigate.
Digital Literacy Among Younger Baby Boomers (ages 59-68)
Younger Baby Boomers face significant digital challenges. In countries like France and Spain, less than a third of respondents feel confident in their tech skills. Even in countries like the US and the UK, where digital literacy is generally higher, only around half of the respondents in this age group feel comfortable with technology.
Technology Gap and Older Baby Boomers (ages 69+)
In the Older Baby Boomers generation, the data is clear. The older the respondents, the more they struggle with technology. In Italy and Spain, the majority admit to knowing very little or nothing about technology. Even in more tech-savvy countries like the US and UK, confidence levels are low, with only about a third feeling they have a good understanding.
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Guiding Our Parents to Better Understand Tech
Younger generations play a crucial role in assisting their parents and grandparents with technology. Four out of five adults provide tech support to their older family members. If you need some guidance in this, consider the factors described below:
Make Sure Your Parents Have Firewalls On
Firewalls are essential in protecting devices from unauthorized access. They act as a barrier between devices and potential online threats. While 31% of Older Baby Boomers are using firewalls, it’s important to ensure they are active and up-to-date on all devices.
Don’t Forget Anti-Malware and Spam Filters
Malware can pose a significant threat to older adults’ devices. Anti-malware software helps protect against these hidden dangers. 32% of Older Baby Boomers are using anti-malware, but it’s crucial to keep it updated.
Spam emails can be a gateway to scams. Spam filters help by sorting out junk emails. 21% of Older Baby Boomers use spam filters. But it’s important to ensure they have the right settings.
Two-Factor Authentication and VPNs
Passwords alone are insufficient for strong account security. Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of protection by requiring a second form of verification. 25% of Older Baby Boomers have adopted 2FA, a higher percentage than other generations.
A VPN is crucial for online privacy. VPNs not only secure the internet connection but also provide a private, encrypted DNS. This helps protect against data interception by hackers.
Moreover, VPNs offer parental controls. This allows you to block inappropriate content and create a safer online environment for everyone. So, it’s important to ensure your parents have a VPN installed on their devices.
File Backup and Secure Browsers
Losing important files due to a computer crash or accidental deletion can be distressing, especially for older adults. File backup ensures that data is safely stored and recoverable. Despite its importance, only 16% of Older Baby Boomers currently use file backup tools.
For those concerned about privacy, secure browsers like Brave or Tor can prevent tracking and enhance anonymity online. While only 7% of Older Baby Boomers use secure browsers, introducing them to these options could be beneficial, especially when handling sensitive information.
Other Digital Checkmarks for Your Parents
The risk of identity theft increases as more personal information is shared online. Identity theft monitoring services can detect suspicious activities and help prevent serious damage. Account breach monitoring alerts users if their login credentials have been compromised, allowing them to quickly secure their accounts. However, only 3% of Older Baby Boomers use account breach monitoring tools.
Strong, unique passwords are essential for online security. A password manager can help create and store secure passwords. Additionally, enabling multi-factor authentication adds further protection.
Keeping devices updated with the latest versions of operating systems, browsers, and antivirus software is crucial for security. For Apple devices, keeping apps updated is the best protection. For Android devices, consider installing antivirus software.
