Digital Inclusion for Intergenerational Solidarity

Abstract

ISSUE Digital inclusion refers to the activities necessary to ensure that all individuals and communities, including the most disadvantaged, have access to and use of information and communication technology (National Digital Inclusion Alliance, 2016). South Korea is one of the digital pioneer countries with outstanding digital infrastructure. However, the digital divide is an issue, especially for older generations and it can exacerbate the social isolation of older adults in this era of digital transformation. Therefore, digital inclusion is necessary to ultimately achieve intergenerational solidarity.

CONTENT This symposium is designed by the Ewha Institute for Age Integration Research(EIAIR) to present our recently conducted research on older adults’ digital use. EIAIR aims to find novel ways to connect the young and the old to prevent the social isolation of older generations and achieve intergenerational solidarity. Digital inclusion is necessary to realize intergenerational solidarity in this rapidly changing society. The presentations show various attempts to improve older adults’ digital literacy and promote intergenerational exchange in the digital world.

STRUCTURE Hajin Lee and colleagues first present the development process of a mobile application ‘Welsh’ for improving older adults’ access to senior welfare centers information that was initiated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Next, Ahyoung Lee and colleagues examine the effect of the use of the mobile application ‘Welsh’ in improving older adults’ digital literacy. Third, Hannah Lee and colleagues explore the possibility of developing a mobile application for intergenerational communication using the motivation and gratifications approach. Fourth, Hannah Lee and co-authors examine the relationships between technological capital and digital literacy among the elderly in Korea using national data. Fifth, Ahyoung Lee and colleagues present a case study that reviews existing mobile applications promoting intergenerational exchange in Korea. Finally, S.Y. Park and co-author present eHealth literacy in South Korea.

CONCLUSION To achieve intergenerational solidarity, we need to try a variety of attempts including digital literacy training, developing applications, and online content designed to encourage participation and collaboration across all age groups. Through active participation in the exchange of information and opinions in the digital world, people can understand each other more and a sustainable aging society can be realized.

Keywords: digital literacy, digital divide, digital inclusion, intergenerational solidarity, technology adoption