NOT SO SMART FOR SMARTPHONE: PERCEPTION AND PRACTICES OF SMARTPHONE AMONG SENIORS IN SINGAPORE

Abstract

Over the past decade, the world has witnessed a phenomenal rise in smartphone technology. Its multi-functionality has brought about so much convenience that it has changed the way we work and live. However, despite the increasing pervasiveness of the device, a digital divide exists between the young and the old when it comes to smartphone usage. Unlike the young who are largely tech-savvy, many older adults are lacking the capability to fully utilise their smartphones. This is a particularly problematic issue for Singapore whose ageing population is at the risk of being left behind in the nation’s pursuit to be a Smart Nation. To bridge the digital divide, this paper aims to better understand smartphone use among older adults through the study of their perceptions and practices. Using a qualitative approach, this paper embarked on an exploratory study by conducting in-depth interviews with 20 respondents. Based on the empirical data, this paper found that smartphone usage among seniors varies widely as a result of the sophisticated patterns of interaction between their perceptions and practices. For example, some seniors may not be able to use their smartphones as well as they would like to due to their deteriorating cognitive health while others who harbour distrust towards the device may be forced to use it due to their social circumstances. Hence, to better conceptualise this diversity, this paper developed a meaningful typology to better analyse the different types of senior smartphone users in Singapore. Through which, this paper proposes that future policies to bridge the digital divide should be type-specific in order for measures to be effective.