Online Communication Baby Boomers: Current Use, Preferences, and Future Expectations

摘要

A urvey was conducted on 210 Baby Boomers (Age mean = 51.4 Std. dev. 5.46) within the United States to determine their current use of online technology in social interactions, their preferences in these interactions, and the expectations they have of near-future online communication technologies. The findings highlight the importance of online communication in their lives and spotlight their widespread use and preference for e-mail. Despite the popularity of online communication among this generation, their attitudes are mixed over its use as a replacement for more traditional interaction. Still, Baby Boomers anticipate increasing their use of online communication technologies as they age. Most Baby Boomers expect to have access to these technologies in the future if they were to become a resident at an assisted living facility.