Technology Gap: Differences among College Student Computer-Mediated Communication with Older Adults and Peers

• In Event: Communication and Aging Division: Competitive paper III -- Intergenerational communication, new media, and workplace

Abstract

The study examined how computer-mediated communication (CMC) differs in younger-older adult communication. Specifically, college students were asked to write emails to peers and older adults. Language use differences were tested. College student satisfaction scores for communication with peers and older adults were collected. Findings revealed a difference between language use among peer-peer and younger-older adult communication. A difference was also found for satisfaction, with college students reporting more satisfaction communicating with peers than older adults.

Author

• Kimberly Schaefer, University of Texas, Austin