a social change within their family network which had both positive and negative ... grandchildren's, and other (adult)
The Impact of ICT on Family: Views From An Older Generation Sally Lindsay, Simon Smith & Paul Bellaby, University of Salford Many families now deal with technology on a daily basis as a part of their normal routine. Despite the rapid increase in the diffusion of information and communication technology (ICT) the significance of these developments for families, especially the impact of ICT on elderly people’s connection with their families, remains unclear (Hughes & Hans 2001; Phang et al. 2006; Watt & White 1999). The domestication of new technology involves a two-way process where consumers change the meaning and influence of technologies while at the same time influencing family interactions (Katz & Rice 2002). This paper draws on the conceptual framework developed by Watt and White (1999) who took a family development and human ecology approach to examine the influence of the Internet on family life. This approach assumes that the effects of the Internet on families depend on the family’s developmental stage and views human development as taking place within the context of relationships. Technological innovations are seen as a major source of social change within the social systems of families. Home Internet access may facilitate family communication by offering a new avenue for family members to communicate, potentially creating new functions and specializations (Mesch 2006). Changes in functions involve changing the nature of family relationships. This study took a developmental approach to examine the influence of home Internet access among elderly heart patients on their family relationships. Methods This randomized controlled trial drew a sample (n =108) of men and women aged 50-74 from GP’s coronary heart disease registries in Salford. The sample was divided at random into an experimental and a control group of equal sizes. All participants were given new computers and a one year broadband subscription; however, only the experimental group received training and access to the “Hearts of Salford” project portal. A technician installed the computers in the participants’ homes and also assisted with any difficulties that arose. Questionnaires, focus groups, and Internet log data have been collected since May 2006 and continue at present, to assess the influence of our health portal on the management of heart conditions before they were given the computers, after six months, and one year after they were introduced to the Internet. Here we draw on the data that reveals the impact that these new computers had on the participant’s family ties. Factors Influencing Take-Up and Continued Use of Technology Several men and women were motivated to learn how to use a computer because their children and grandchildren were using them: As far as computers are concerned every single one of my grandchildren can use them. So can my children. But I can’t use the damn things because I’ve never had time to sit there and work it out and lately I’ve been too frightened to get it in case I won’t get the other jobs done before I get on it because I am totally fascinated with the idea. (#74, married female) I’ve not got the foggiest idea about computers. I’ve only watched the grandchildren on theirs and they are fantastic but it’s something I’ve always wanted to get into. (#71, married male) Grandchildren not only inspired their uptake of computers but they also helped to teach them. This was especially helpful when they got stuck in some application and did not know what to do next. Sometimes quite by accident I come across something and I don't know how I did it. I'll have to get my grandson down to spend a day with me showing me how to do things he is 10 years and is a whiz. It's when you keep trying and not getting anywhere you lose interest that is when you could do with someone to show you what you are doing wrong. I haven’t even tried the printer yet or the speakers. I have the same problem with the mobile phone, all I wanted it for was when I out and wanted a taxi but people will keep saying why don't you use the text? When I get things that are modern technology they seem to sense I get a mental block. Clever these computers, aren’t they? (#44, divorced female) While some participants were inspired by their grandchildren others felt intimidated that they knew more than they did. A few men share their experience: “Kids…Does it not intimidate you? It intimidates me”(#41, married male). Another man similarly claimed:
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You’ve all got grandkids and you see them there on that computer 10, 12, 14 years of age and they can type faster than you can talk and it is really jarring you off. You say how do you do this, oh it’s just like that granddad. (#64, married male). Many participants described how they used their computer to help combat loneliness and boredom since many of these men and women lived on their own. One man captured it best: “It has solved a problem of boredom. I can always find something interesting, informative and challenging to do” (#46, divorced male). For others, adopting technology coincided with critical points of change in their own lives. For example, one woman shares her story: I never used a computer till after my husband died. We bought him a computer because he needed something he could do. I looked at this computer after he died and thought well I don’t even know how to turn it on. Seen him on it everyday researching into everything. I can play games on it I can write a letter on it now but it’s taken years. (#61, widowed female) Those who had fewer people in their social space seemed to “seek out” technology in the hopes that they could engage more with people, while those who had closer family ties tended to have more of a ‘push’ factor where they were inspired to learn by other family members. Impact of Technology on Family Life Although these men and women found it difficult at first to overcome their fear of technology, with the help of family and friends they were able to engage themselves better with their new computers. In fact, one participant commented how his computer, which was once viewed as something new in the household, is now viewed as commonplace. He said, “in regards to the family where you have your computer, let’s face it computers these days will eventually be part of the furniture. You have your fridge freezer, microwave and now your computer” (#43, single male). Several participants described the benefits of increased connections with family members, not only through the Internet (via email or Internet phone call), but also around the computer itself in which family members would help participants to learn how to use it. For example, one person describes how he discovered the possibilities of phoning over the Internet: “there is a programme that might be of interest to the whole family, which is quite good. It’s where you can use your computer as a telephone; it’s free to other people anywhere in the world” (#26, married male). The idea of saving money and still being able to connect with family was particularly appealing. Others were pleased that having broadband freed up the phone line so that they would not miss out on phone calls: “It frees up the household phone line so that I can pursue links for as long as I wish without blocking phone calls to and from family and friends” (#25, married male). Other benefits of having a computer in the house included performing routine family-orientated tasks with greater ease. One woman describes her experience: My son’s family and my eldest grandson think this computer is brilliant. My grandson showed me how to go on websites and how to book travel and show tickets. It’s so easy. We got car insurance sorted for our son. So all in all it’s a great asset to our house! (#56, divorced female) Having a new computer in the household helped couples to pursue interests in a new way: My husband thinks it is great that I can access queries I have about my health and how this has helped me. He also enjoys bringing up Manchester united and reading the news about the team. My grandchildren have helped us put our holiday photos into the computer and print them off. (#52, married female) Although there were several positive examples of the impact of these computers helping to strengthen family ties, there were also examples of it creating tensions between family members. One participant described how her son had tried to teach her on the computer but he became very frustrated and impatient and stormed off. One participant gives her example: My lad is trying to teach me, he’ll tell me that’s how you do it and I’m looking at the screen while he’s using his fingers I’ve not got a clue what he’s teaching. So I’ve not learnt a thing. You’ve got to be patient. You should know it! (#65, divorced female) Another woman said that her computer is often a point of tension between her and her daughter (who still lives at home). She said that her daughter tries to control the computer and often puts a password-protected entry on it when they are in an argument to “get back” at her.
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Meanwhile, several others report how they get frustrated when their grandchildren come by to use their computer and often ‘mess things up.’ For instance, one man said that he kept having pop-ups after his grandkids went on his computer: There may be something wrong with my computer system because there are 3 or 4 little things that come up at the bottom all the time, trying to scan my computer. It’s because the kids keep going on these games, and that’s where they are trying to get in from. And I get warnings all the time flagging up. (#54, married male) Participants often found such problems very distressing as they are just beginners on the computer and like to have the desktop appear the same way each time. Another example of the computer having a negative impact came from one man who, although he was very happy with his computer claimed that his wife was upset with the amount of time he spends on it: I look forward to going on the PC an Internet. My world is now more open by pressing the click of the mouse. I am happy in the knowledge that I can use the Internet anytime but my wife does not agree. She thinks that I have another woman in the other room. (#24, married male) Indeed, ICT influenced family ties in both positive and negative ways. Their home Internet access introduced a social change within their family network which had both positive and negative implications. It created a new point of interest, while allowing for easier communication among family members which helped to strengthen family ties. Evidence of intergenerational conflict was also found especially around teaching older parents / grandparents how to use their computer. Benefits of ICT in Supporting and Increasing Social Interactions Within the Family One key way that ICT was able to support and increase social interactions within the family were the ability to save money through the Internet. One man describes his experience: I’m enjoying the learning challenge and have been able to help various members of my family in a number of ways. It has made me feel more useful and productive. I have been able to save money, gas and electric bills, shopping etc. This is a big help when on a low fixed income and frees up money for those extras and just generally eases the continual worry of ‘making ends meet.’ It has made me think I may eventually be able to generate an income doing book keeping and have been looking at online courses. (#43, single male) In this particular case, the computer helped to draw family ties closer together as they were able to save money and feel better about themselves. Another man gives a similar example: It can have practical benefits. I have saved all my families at least 21% on their fuel bills. Helped my son and his family get a great deal on a holiday. Put minds at rest by getting complicated information from the Probate office. (#46, divorced male) Those who live on their own also benefited from increased connections with family: I live on my own but I now email my nephew and a couple of friends and my buddies. My brother seems impressed by what I can do asking me to type out applications for golf club memberships and I’ve made some downloaded CDs for friends. I told my brother to have a go but he just won’t get involved. My other brother has a computer but I think it’s mainly his wife that uses it as he has had no formal training. (#46, single male) Another man living on his own describes how his computer became a focal point for his family: My son brought his paperwork round today and asked me to see if I could find him a deal on gas and electric for his shop. He could probably have done it quicker for himself but it was nice to be asked. A few weeks ago he turned up with a 17 inch TFT monitor which gives me a lot more room. My 2 daughters were round together last week. The youngest just helped herself to the computer to print off pages of detailed statements for the family’s mobiles. I didn’t know you could do that. My daughter-in-law got me three packs of paper. Last Saturday I had to promise my 2 youngest grandkids that I would be expert with the ‘paint’ application by next Saturday when they come again. It’s like it’s always been there but I’m slowly finding my way round it. It’s a new point of conversation. (#46, divorced male)
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This particular man may have perceived a loss of status in the eyes of his family when he went from paid employment to dependence on benefits; however the services that he is now able to provide for family members seems to have restored some of his self-esteem. Results from our repeat questionnaires indicate that there has been an increase in children’s, grandchildren’s, and other (adult) relative’s use of their computer over a six-month period. We also found a significant difference between marital status and amount of time spent online per week, with those who live on their own (single, divorced, and widowed) spending more time online, on average. Conclusions The domestication of technology model argues that the introduction of technology into the household influences family social dynamics. This project examined the significance of home Internet access for aging persons and their families. Our findings suggest that grandchildren played an important part in the uptake and continued use of their computers for several people, while a few others felt intimidated by the amount that their grandchildren knew. The introduction of these computers into the participant’s homes had several positive impacts on their family ties such as a new common interest with children, grandchildren, siblings and spouse. Our findings are similar to recent studies that have found that the Internet enhances contact with family (Katz and Rice 2002; Kennedy and Wellman 2007; Mesch 2006). Here we found that the Internet can help improve family communication and provide opportunities for grandparents and grandchildren as well as parents and adult children to collaborate (Mesch 2006; Orleans & Laney 2000). Our findings are similar to the PEW Internet study (2001) where they found that children act as Internet pioneers in households with respect to parents. Here we found that this is extended to grandparents, at least in close families. There were some negative aspects that were also noted where family members tried to teach them how to use their computer and ended up getting impatient with them. Some people were frustrated when another family member went on their computer and ‘messed things up.’ This is similar to other studies where Internet access in the household negatively altered family communication patterns (Mesch 2003; Watt & White 1999). We found that conflicts arose even though these aging persons were often not living with the family members who were using their computer or providing help. Our results suggest that those who had fewer people in their social space (single, or recently widowed) seemed to “seek out” technology in the hopes that they could engage more with people, while those who had closer family ties tended to have more of a ‘push’ factor where they were inspired to learn by other family members (mainly grandkids). Some used their computers to connect to others outside of their household while others saw it as a way to engage with their grandchildren in their own social space. Indeed, ICT helped to identify the internal dynamics of family life which shaped the adoption and continued use of their computers. Future research should explore in more depth the ways in which single aging persons use the Internet to communicate with their family and friends. References Hughes, R. and Hans, J. (2001) Computers, the Internet and families. Journal of Family Issues 22: 776-790. Katz, J. & Rice, R. (2002) Social Consequences of Internet Use. MIT Press, Cambridge. Kennedy, T & Wellman, B. (2007) The Networked Household. Information, Communication & Society (forthcoming) Mesch, G. (2003) The family and the internet. Social Science Quarterly 84: 1038-1049. Mesch, G. (2006) Family characteristics and intergenerational conflicts over the internet. Information, Communication & Society 9(4): 473-495. Orleans, M & Laney, M. (2000) Early adolescent social networks and computer use. Social Science Computer Review 18: 56-72. Pew Internet and American Life Project (2001) The online health care revolution. Phang C, Sutanto J, Kankanhalli A, Li Y, Tan B, Teo H. (2006) Senior citizens’ acceptance of information systems: A study in the context of e-government services. IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management 53(4): 555-569. Watt, D & White, J. (1999) Computers and the family life. Journal of Comparative Family Studies 30: 1-15.
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