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1. Generation Gap Article Draft (2)
TAGLINE
Reviewed by Gareth Daniel, Radio Times, 18th
January 2018
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Has technology evolved too fast? Do you fear you have been left behind? A gathering of teenagers
from Solihull Sixth Form College seem to think so; having decided to delve deep into a potentially
ever-growing age gap regarding the use of new technology. Generation Gap arriving 8.00pm 11th
May, on BBC1 promises to deliver a look at the public’s view on the issue, making a variety of
interesting discoveries in the process.
Gareth, one of the trio behind the project disclosed its origin as ‘I got fed up with having to fix the
laptop for my parents’. By the way the documentary has been executed, it’s quite clear that this ran
true throughout its conception. At its core,the documentary follows Stephanie Lowe as the presenter
to a variety of locations exploring factors concerning teenage obsession and adult disillusionment
with technology. The use of their college as a main location added some subtle, but much-needed
emphasis on issues surrounding the education of adults; an issue touched on in a unique way during
the program.
While most will believe that the older generation are mostly incompetent in their use of technology,
the program deals with these misconceptions in its opening minutes. The statistics provided in the
show were surprising for both me as the viewer and the producers who in the documentary don’t hide
their shock while disclosing the surprising statistics to the audience.
Media expert, Nick Waring’s answers to the filmmaker’s burning questions manage to deliver some
insight to the potential answers audiences will be looking for. In fact,the segment held me in
astonishment due to the realisations it caused about the lack of focus on the old, exposing a massive
hole in many a grandson/daughter’s opinion of their ‘silly grandparents’.
‘One thing I get students to do is imagine life without the internet: and they can’t do it.’
‘I was surprised by the answers we found.’
The documentary also features an interview with Aleksandra Ziolkowska, the auntie of one of the
producers and part of the reason the documentary was produced in the first place. Magda was
intrigued by the differences in her and Gareth’s families when it came to technology. Aleksandra is
clearly confident in how she uses technology and a clear opponent to many of the other opinions
stated in the documentary. The inclusion of him in this piece is vital to the objective and balanced
viewpoint the group is obviously trying to present the audience with.
An unusual but entertaining aspect of the documentary is the animations and graphic inserts that go
along and help with the exposition that give the documentary a unique feel that I personally haven’t
seen before.
Filling the 8.00pm timeslot, this is a must watch for any technology illiterate elder, or fed up
youngster who wants to find surprising answers to their deep-seated questions. It’s certainly an
excellent half an hour of television.