Connectedness and disconnectedness to new and old media within different age groups

Abstract

Guided by diffusion of innovation theory, this study compares patterns of connectedness and disconnectedness to the Internet and traditional media within and across select age groups (20–39, 40–59, and 60 or over) by conducting a randomly sampled survey in Tokyo, Japan. The oldest age group fell behind younger age groups not only in regards to ownership and access, but also the scope and intensity of Internet connectedness. Within age groups, disparities in Internet connectedness was found in the oldest age group, while disparities in connecting to television, newspapers and radio was found in the youngest and middle age groups. Mass media connectedness was found to have a negative relationship with PC Internet connectedness in the oldest age group. Implications for the evolution of media connectedness and disconnectedness across different generations are discussed.