An Exploratory Study of Intergenerational Technical Help from the Youth’s Perspective

Abstract

It becomes increasingly common for youth to help their parents use digital technology; a phenomenon called “intergenerational technical help” (ITH). This article aims to explore ITH in the family. We interviewed 20 college students who have experiences proving ITH to their parents. We used the grounded theory to analyze ITH from its triggering mechanism, specific behaviors, and outcomes. The main conclusion is that information and communication technology (ICT) usage level, facilitating conditions, and willingness to help are direct factors that impact ITH behavior, while parents’ age, occupation, cognitive level, performance expectancy, family relationship, technical dependence to youth, and self-efficacy also relate to how ITH takes place. We find that successful ITH helps parents to solve technical problems, bridge the digital divide, and improve intergenerational relationships. But interruptions or failures can significantly discourage the willingness of further ITH from both generations.