Digital habits across generations
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Preparation
Today's grandparents are joining their grandchildren on social media, but the different generations' online habits couldn't be more different. In the UK the over-55s are joining Facebook in increasing numbers, meaning that they will soon be the site's second biggest user group, with 3.5 million users aged 55–64 and 2.9 million over-65s.
Sheila, aged 59, says, 'I joined to see what my grandchildren are doing, as my daughter posts videos and photos of them. It's a much better way to see what they're doing than waiting for letters and photos in the post. That's how we did it when I was a child, but I think I'm lucky I get to see so much more of their lives than my grandparents did.'
Ironically, Sheila's grandchildren are less likely to use Facebook themselves. Children under 17 in the UK are leaving the site – only 2.2 million users are under 17 – but they're not going far from their smartphones. Chloe, aged 15, even sleeps with her phone. 'It's my alarm clock so I have to,' she says. 'I look at it before I go to sleep and as soon as I wake up.'
Unlike her grandmother's generation, Chloe's age group is spending so much time on their phones at home that they are missing out on spending time with their friends in real life. Sheila, on the other hand, has made contact with old friends from school she hasn't heard from in forty years. 'We use Facebook to arrange to meet all over the country,' she says. 'It's changed my social life completely.'
Teenagers might have their parents to thank for their smartphone and social media addiction as their parents were the early adopters of the smartphone. Peter, 38 and father of two teenagers, reports that he used to be on his phone or laptop constantly. 'I was always connected and I felt like I was always working,' he says. 'How could I tell my kids to get off their phones if I was always in front of a screen myself?' So, in the evenings and at weekends, he takes his SIM card out of his smartphone and puts it into an old-style mobile phone that can only make calls and send text messages. 'I'm not completely cut off from the world in case of emergencies, but the important thing is I'm setting a better example to my kids and spending more quality time with them.'
Is it only a matter of time until the generation above and below Peter catches up with the new trend for a less digital life?
These days, people use smartphone to support all the activities every day. People use Smartphone to communicate, solve the tasks, and also just to scroll on social media. On social media, people usually arrange meeting with old friends and share their past stories. Despite of the advantages, Smartphone also bring concern especially for kids. Many countries have banned the use of smartphone for children under 17. The purpose is to reduce bullying cases and increase the effectiveness of learning.
These days, all family members use social media and different websites, from children to parents and even grandparents, depending on each age group’s needs. Children often watch cartoons or short videos, and teenagers mainly use social media and messaging apps, and parents usually rely on communication apps in daily life. Among my friends and family, many people also use AI tools, especially because they are helpful for specific needs.
My two sons use their smartphones the most because of online classes, talking with their friends, assignments, and playing online.
Technology has undeniably transformed the way generations connect, offering faster, richer and more immediate ways to share our lives. However, as powerful as these tools are, they should never replace genuine human presence, conversation and shared moments in the real world. When used with awareness, technology can strengthen relationships, bring families closer and open new possibilities for connection — but only if we remember that screens are meant to support human bonds, not substitute them. Finding balance is key: embracing the benefits of technology while continuing to value face-to-face interaction ensures that progress brings us closer together, not further apart.
Probebly myself, i have a lot used phone on my life for something that useless. I hope for the next, i can change my habit to make batter life.
I think i use most smort in my family because I am just Z generation in our family
Probably me, but I use telephone for my learning mostly. Not in social media or for some funny stuff. Honestly, sometimes for fun yes, but generally not. I hate SM.
Who uses their phone the most among your family or friends?
Among my family, I'ts probably me. I stay so much time on TikTok and Instagram, but not as an normal user, but as a content creator. I don't use Facebook right now. Every day I try to minimize the screen time, because I truly believe if I'm chronically online I will lost so many time, and be irritated every second of my life.
Among my family, Iam the most person used smart phone very much. I use to connect colleagues discussed about my jobs. Besides, I usually follow up social media likely facebook or instagram in my free time. I also use my phone to note or set alarms
May be I am the one who uses the phone most in my family as I need to connect with my team all the time. But I don't want my teenage daughter to use online like me. So I am trying to limit my phone usage at weekends.