Technolo-gee

With older folks, learning how new technology works it’s much more about learning a skill rather than being blessed with the transparent intuition of kids. Which means, of course, that it's not our fault that sometimes we have to ask the younger set how technology works. (Damn kids, who do they think they are, what with all their 'curiosity' and fertile little minds). That said, for all of the jokes about asking the kids to help, many older adults do just fine with technology.

And this: not a whole lot that was positive, but five years of the plague -that would be COVID-19 - has significantly increased the use of many technologies among older Canadians. Who knew? (Well, we sort of guessed that, given that everyone we know is online all the time).  

Being as mature as we are, we also may have a perspective that younger folks often don’t have. Here’s a cautionary look at Technology and Mental Health. And for a giggle, check out how kids react to older technology.

-Tom New

A Quick Dive Through the Ages (of tech awareness) (Source…)

From the clunky rotary phones of the mid-20th century to the sleek smartphones of today, technology has undergone a remarkable evolution. Each generation has witnessed and adapted to these technological transformations in unique ways, shaping their behaviors and expectations. Baby Boomers marveled at the advent of television and the moon landing, while Gen X grew up alongside the rise of personal computers and the internet. Millennials came of age during the explosion of social media and mobile technology and Gen Z has never known a world without instant connectivity and digital convenience. Understanding the tech adoption trends across generations is crucial for crafting effective fundraising strategies that resonate with diverse age groups and ultimately affect their interaction with public media.

Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Pioneers of the Television Age:

Though initially hesitant, Baby Boomers have steadily embraced digital tools, especially for staying connected with family and friends. They grew up during a time when television was the dominant technology. They experienced the transition from black-and-white to color TV and many remember gathering around the TV for historic events like the moon landing in 1969. Boomers also witnessed the rise of home computers in the 1980s and the early days of the Internet in the 1990s. They favor more traditional media but are increasingly using social media platforms like Facebook and are comfortable with email communications. The rise of smartphones has also seen Baby Boomers becoming more tech-savvy, using apps to stay informed and connected. For example, they might follow news outlets on social media or subscribe to newsletters from their favorite public media stations.

Generation X (1965-1980) | Bridging the Analog and Digital Worlds:

This generation is often dubbed the “digital immigrants.” They grew up with rotary phones, VHS tapes and the early days of video games, but they also witnessed the dawn of the digital age. The arrival of personal computers, the internet and mobile phones during their formative years has made Gen Xers adept at navigating both worlds, making them a versatile audience. Gen Xers are active on social media and use a variety of digital platforms for news and entertainment. This generation values independence and authenticity, often seeking out content that aligns with their personal values and interests. They might listen to the radio during their commute, watch television in the evening and catch up on podcasts or news apps on their smartphones throughout the day.

Millennials (1981-1996) | The Rise of Social Media and Mobile Technology:

As digital natives, millennials grew up with technology and are comfortable using a range of digital devices and platforms. They value convenience and immediacy, favoring streaming services and social media for content consumption. Millennials are also more likely to engage with interactive content and participate in online communities. They prefer on-demand services like podcasts and streaming platforms, where they can choose what type and when to consume content. Social media plays a significant role in their media consumption, with platforms like Instagram, X (Formerly known as Twitter) and TikTok serving as primary sources of news and entertainment.

Generation Z (1997-2012) | Born into a Digital World:

The true digital natives, Gen Z, have never known a world without smartphones and high-speed internet. They are versed in multitasking across multiple devices and platforms and favor visually-driven content on platforms like Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. Gen Z values authenticity and transparency and tends to support brands and organizations that align with their values. They are highly engaged with video content, whether it’s short-form videos on TikTok or longer content on YouTube. This generation is also more likely to engage with interactive and immersive experiences, such as virtual reality or live-streaming events.

Generation Alpha (2013-Present) | The AI-Native Generation:

Though they are far too young to make a gift to our stations right now, it’s still important to connect with this generation. Generation Alphas are growing up in a world where artificial intelligence, voice assistants and advanced digital interfaces are commonplace. This generation is introduced to technology from an early age (like Generation Z), with many using tablets and smart devices before they can even read. Their familiarity with interactive and intuitive technology shapes their expectations for seamless and engaging digital experiences. Generation Alpha is expected to be even more comfortable with AI-driven content and augmented reality.