Research On The Impact Of Smart Phones On The Life Of Rural Elderly From The Perspective Of Digital Divide

In June 2020,the number of Internet users aged 60 and above in my country broke through 10% for the first time in 24 years.China’s aging and digitalization are developing almost simultaneously,and the two inevitably "resonate",triggering new conflicts and challenges.The digital divide refers to differences in the development and application of information technology,as well as the gap between information and knowledge and utilization capabilities.Obviously,the elderly are facing a more severe digital divide in the process of digital development,especially the rural elderly who live in more vulnerable and unknown rural areas.Taking into account the modern society,the way the general population is in contact with digital devices or information in their lives is mainly manifested in the possession and use of smart phones.This article focuses on discussing the digital divide with the use of smart phones as the core of the rural elderly.Based on the analysis framework of spiritual access,material access,skill access,and use access based on the digital divide,focus on the use of smart phones by rural elderly people and study the impact of smart phones on rural elderly people,with a view to bridging the digital divide and promoting active ageing It is helpful to change.Specifically,this study used the interview method to obtain the smartphone usage of 19 rural elderly people in Z Village in the suburbs of Beijing.Related research findings are as follows:In terms of spiritual access,learning resources have a significant impact on the level of use of smart phones by the elderly.The more support provided by family,peers,neighbors,etc.,the more skills and knowledge the elderly can acquire;physical health such as memory diseases The situation will reduce the willingness of the elderly to use smart phones;and with the widespread popularity of mobile phone videos and pictures,education level is no longer a decisive factor affecting the use of smart phones by the elderly in rural areas.In terms of material access,although the elderly are not lacking in material,the purchase of smart hardware is still relatively conservative,mainly using second-hand equipment from family members or passive gifts.Therefore,affected by the values and consumption views of the elderly,internet fees(broadband,routers,traffic,etc.)have become a significant factor affecting the use of smart phones by the elderly.In terms of skill access,the use of smartphones by rural elderly people is at an elementary level,with a lack of high-level functions,mainly communication and entertainment functions,and lack of basic operating skills is an obstacle that affects the effectiveness of the elderly.In terms of access,the construction of rural community networks is basically guaranteed,and there is an environmental foundation for digital consumption.At the same time,because the digital development of rural communities is in a dual-track inclusive stage,the demand for the use of daily smart devices for the elderly is not urgent.In terms of the impact of smart phones on the elderly in rural areas,it can be clearly seen that smart phones have a very significant positive impact on the digital consumption,entertainment,physical and mental health,and social interactions of the elderly.The Internet has enriched the daily lives of the elderly and helped them adapt and integrate into the society.In a digital society,being able to gain a sense of accomplishment and participation in new roles,while being able to receive new information and knowledge,is conducive to the continued socialization of the elderly.The elderly who have a relatively good grasp of smart phones are obviously positive and stable in their mentality.However,inappropriate usage habits can also have a negative impact on the physical and mental health of the elderly.Based on the above findings,this study further raised the issue of the necessity and feasibility of bridging the digital divide among the rural elderly,and made specific recommendations from two aspects of macro-policy and micro-social work intervention.