Is your little brother or sister more tech-savvy than you?
Born after the dark ages of dial-up internet, the “millennium generation” are able to use tablets and smartphones even before they are able to talk, says new research.
According to Channel 4 News Facebook users, some children as young as two are even helping their parents type, let alone watching their favourite programmes on YouTube.
The study by Ofcom found that among nearly 2,000 adults and 800 children, six-year-olds have the same understanding of communications technology as 45-year-olds. Also, more than 60 per cent of people aged 55 and over have a below average “digital quotient” score.
As a result of growing up in the digital age, 12 to 15-year-olds are developing different communication habits than older generations, including those in the 16 to 24 age bracket. That means by age 14 or 15, Britons are reaching their peak understanding of digital technology.
However, according to members of the Association for Teachers and Lecturers, an increasing number of infants lack key motor skills due to an increased “addiction” to tablet computers. The report said that 44 per cent now own a tablet compared to 24 per cent in the previous year.
But are young children really better than adults at using technology? Channel 4 News asked Facebook and Twitter users whether tweens and teens in their family are out-swiping them. The answer seems to be, yes:
@Channel4News no, but she’s getting there…. pic.twitter.com/YwG6jwRJM8
— Neil Walker (@sqwawk) August 7, 2014
To find out more about what Facebook users think, click on the link below.
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Post by Channel 4 News.
Want to check how digitally-smart you are? Take Ofcom’s taster test to find out your score compared to the national average.
