What does it reveal?
- The result of our study highlights both the preparedness and the ability to adapt to an unfavorable situation, such as a pandemic among people from three different generations, 30-39, 50-59 and 70-79 years. Six out of ten respondents increased their use of digital technology. This increase was most prominent among the elderly, who were 57 percent more likely to increase their use of digital technology at this time. The technologies that increased the most among the elderly, were those that enabled contact with family and friends – for example video calls, text messages and e-mails. And to take part in news and public information.

Why is this study relevant? 
- It shows the importance of collecting data from different generations, rather than just focusing on older adults. The study captures generational perspectives on changes in attitudes and the use of digital technology during the early phase of COVID-19.

Who benefits from the results?
- This is important to consider for both politicians and tech designers. Our results show what was considered essential technology during such a major transition as the pandemic was.

What are you going to do now?
- We continue to investigate similarities and differences between generations when it comes to the use of and attitude to digital technology. We are currently conducting focus groups where we have discussed smart homes with people from three different generations.

Co-authors are associate professor Steven Schmidt, professor Susanne Iwarsson and associate professor Sofi Fristedt. In addition to CASE, Jens Offerman is also involved in the profile area Proactive Ageing.

Read the publication "Self-reported Changes in Use of and Attitudes Toward ICT in Three Generations in Sweden During the Early Phase of the COVID-19 Pandemic"