It may be that our efforts to enlighten older adults about digital technology can cut both ways.
Perhaps in reaction to being branded irrelevant and out-of-step, many older adults have received, under the banner of "digital literacy," technical education about using modern technology tools ... which should be a really good thing, right?
Well, sorta.
Unfortunately, our educational efforts have focused primarily, if not exclusively, on the tech side of the equation, meaning that throngs of older adults with newfound tech skills are flocking to an array of online "news" sites.
Which brings us to the missing element of digital literacy - discernment. As an "unexpected consequence" from the excitement of their expanded horizons, many older adults are being fooled by the persuasive "chatter" of self-anointed "analysts" who "tell it like it really is" - except for when it's not.
On a recent walk in my neighborhood, a kindly gentleman - a retired professor- "reported" to me that his favorite "news source" told him that the Capitol insurrection didn't really happen. Even worse, he and his wife (a former educator) have that and other misinformation inculcated into their belief system.
Trying to have a rational discussion in that context is a tough test for this journalism undergrad who has studied mass communication and public opinion. I hope that all those with greater discernment skills can be patient with ill-informed people (I must take my own medicine) and be helpful in the other crucial element of digital literacy, discernment.
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