The document summarizes data from the Pew Internet Project on differences in digital technology use among generations. Younger generations such as Millennials are more likely to use technologies like smartphones, social media, and download apps compared to older generations. For example, 96% of Millennials own a cellphone compared to only 52% of the G.I. Generation. Additionally, social networks play a larger role for younger people, with Millennials having an average social network size of over 300 contacts compared to only 42 contacts for the G.I. Generation.

1. Baby Boomers and Digital Technology
Silver Summit – Washington DC
March 28, 2012
Lee Rainie: Director, Pew Internet Project
Email: Lrainie@pewinternet.org
PewInternet.org

2. Generational self-definition

3. Internet users – 80%
100%
80%
60%
93% 89%
40% 80% 75%
58%
20%
31%
0%
Millennials Gen X Younger Older Silent G.I.
(18-34) (35-46) Boomers Boomers Generation Generation
(47-56) (57-65) (66-74) (75+)

4. Broadband at home – 64%
100%
80%
60%
40%
74% 75%
65% 60%
20% 45%
21%
0%
Millennials Gen X Younger Older Silent G.I.
(18-34) (35-46) Boomers Boomers Generation Generation
(47-56) (57-65) (66-74) (75+)

5. Digital devices
Younger Older Silent G.I. All online
Millennials Gen X
Boomers Boomers Generation Generation adults
(18-34) (35-46)
(47-56) (57-65) (66-74) (75+) (18+)
Cell phone 96% 94% 87% 84% 77% 52% 88%
Desktop
computer 55% 67% 62% 61% 48% 29% 57%
Laptop
computer 70% 63% 58% 49% 32% 14% 56%
iPod or MP3
player 69% 57% 36% 24% 10% 5% 44%
Game
console 63% 63% 38% 19% 8% 3% 42%
e-Book
reader 19% 25% 18% 12% 9% 5% 19%
Tablet, like
iPad 23% 23% 16% 14% 8% 3% 19%

6. Smartphones – 46%
100%
80%
60%
40%
66%
53%
20%
35%
22% 20% 3%
0%
Millennials Gen X Younger Older Silent G.I.
(18-34) (35-46) Boomers Boomers Generation Generation
(47-56) (57-65) (66-74) (75+)

7. Wireless connectors – 63%
100%
80%
60%
40% 81%
74%
54%
20% 44%
26%
9%
0%
Millennials Gen X Younger Older Silent G.I.
(18-34) (35-46) Boomers Boomers (57- Generation Generation
(47-56) 65) (66-74) (75+)

8. Download apps– 46%
60%
50%
40%
30%
56%
20% 40%
25%
10%
11% 1%
4%
0%
Millennials GenX Younger Older Boomers Silent G.I. Generation
(18-34) (35-46) Boomers (57-65) Generation (66- (75+)
(47-56) 74)

9. Use social networking sites – 52%
100%
80%
60%
40% 78%
63%
20% 42% 38%
20%
0%
6%
Millennials Gen X Younger Older Silent G.I.
(18-34) (35-46) Boomers Boomers Generation Generation
(47-56) (57-65) (66-74) (75+)

10. Mean size of SNS network
350.0
300.0
250.0
200.0
150.0 318.5
100.0 197.6
155.7
50.0 85.1 78.4
42.0
0.0
Millennials Gen X Younger Older Silent G.I.
(18-34) (35-46) Boomers Boomers Generation Generation
(47-56) (57-65) (66-74) (75+)

11. Internet activities – 1
% of internet users
100
91 90 92
89 89
83 85 84
82 81
80
60
40
20
0
Email Search engines Hobby Maps/Directions Health info
Younger Boomers Older Boomers

12. Internet activities – 2
% of internet users
100
80
71 72 74 74
68
65
62 61
60 55 55
50
46
40
20
0
DIY info Get news Govt sites Pol news Research jobs Wikipedia
Younger Boomers Older Boomers

13. Internet activities – 3
% of internet users
90
81
80
70 68
70
% of internet users
60 55
50
40
30 27
20
10
0
Research products Buy goods Travel reservations Banking Auction

14. Big changes in messaging environment
• Users are in charge of the media “playlist”
• Attention zones are fracturing
• Influencers are different – “amateur experts”
• Feedback and participation are assumed
aspects of “media” encounters
• Transparency is a new marker of trust and
trust is eroding in big institutions – including
the church and media enterprises
• Social networks are more important than ever

15. What does this mean?
Social networks are more influential - 1
Sentries

16. What does this mean?
Social networks are more influential - 2
Evaluators

17. What does this mean?
Social networks are more influential - 3
Audience = New
media are the
new
neighborhood

18. Be not
afraid

19. Thank you!