Mobiquity Survey Reveals Boomers Increasingly Adopted Tech During Pandemic, Still Not as Comfortable as Younger Generations

Author
Mobiquity
Publication Date
18 November 2020

Mobiquity Survey Reveals Boomers Increasingly Adopted Tech During Pandemic, Still Not as Comfortable as Younger Generations

To see the original publication of this article visit the press release.


Waltham, MA – November 18, 2020 – Mobiquity, a digital consultancy that designs and delivers compelling digital products and services for the world's leading brands, released today results of a new survey titled “The Rise in Digital Adoption Among Baby Boomers” highlighting unprecedented rates of tech adoption among America’s older generations. The survey polled US-based consumers using both Android and iOS devices.

While digital solutions will undoubtedly be a necessary tool for consumers, there is an overarching belief that digital adoption is slower for the Baby Boomer generation, who grew up without the technology that younger generations have used throughout their lives.

According to Mobiquity’s findings, 88% of Baby Boomers agreed that technology has helped them during the COVID-19 pandemic - only 3% lower than younger generations. However, when asked if they feel safe and secure using new technologies, only 78% of Baby Boomers agreed compared to 86% of non-Boomers. And when it comes to enjoying trying new technologies, 77% of Boomers agreed versus 88% of non-Boomers.

“Baby Boomers are adopting technology more rapidly than we previously believed, but there are still variations in digital preferences that brands will need to consider as we move into the next phase of digital transformation,” said Brian Levine, Vice President of Strategy and Analytics at Mobiquity. “Considering the needs of users from all generations will be key to developing a highly effective digital solution.”

The biggest generational difference that the data uncovered was the divide in business interaction methods. 55% percent of Baby Boomers would prefer to do business in person whereas 72% of non-Boomers prefer digital business interactions. Of course, the pandemic has led companies to adopt contactless services and technologies that deliver a hybrid experience.

The rise in curbside pickup and telehealth represent two key examples of these hybrid approaches where technology drives interpersonal interactions with brands. The biggest increases in hybrid adoption for Boomers during the pandemic are:

  • Baby Boomers had a 431% increase in grocery curbside pickup, 410% increase in retail and 300% increase for restaurant pickup (compared to a less drastic increase for non-Boomers of 169%, 195% and 151% respectively).
  • Baby Boomers also showed a 469% increase in the utilization of telehealth.

“88% of Baby Boomers agreed that they will continue to use digital technology to make daily life easier once the COVID-19 pandemic has resolved. This was only slightly less than the 90% of younger generations,” said Levine. “This broad adoption of technology by an older generation should prompt brands to rapidly adopt digital solutions if they haven’t done so already.”

Download the White Paper

Let our expertise complement yours

Leave your details below and we'll be in touch soon.