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Wired Wisdom: How to Age Better Online

AUTHOR Palfrey, John; Hargittai, Eszter
PUBLISHER University of Chicago Press (07/09/2025)
PRODUCT TYPE Paperback (Paperback)

Description
A surprising window into the online lives of people sixty and over--offering essential insights, no matter your age.


Many popular accounts say the older you are, the greater your tech struggles. And it's worrying to think of loved ones emailing cringe-worthy misinformation, falling for phishing attacks, or becoming lonelier with increasing time spent online.


But in their eye-opening book on the internet's fastest-growing demographic, researchers Eszter Hargittai and John Palfrey offer a more nuanced picture--debunking common myths about older adults' internet use to offer hope and a necessary call to action. Incorporating original interviews and survey results from thousands of people sixty and over, Wired Wisdom shows that many, in fact, use technology in ways that put younger peers to shame. Over-sixties are often nimble online and quicker to abandon social media platforms that don't meet their needs. Despite being targeted more often, they also may be less likely to fall for scams than younger peers. And fake news actually fools fewer people over sixty, who have far more experience evaluating sources and detecting propaganda. Still, there are unseen risks and missed opportunities for this group. Hargittai and Palfrey offer practical advice and show that our stereotypes can be hurdles that keep us from building intergenerational support communities, helping loved ones adopt new technology that may improve their lives, and thriving together online.

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Product Format
Product Details
ISBN-13: 9780226841397
ISBN-10: 0226841391
Binding: Paperback or Softback (Trade Paperback (Us))
Content Language: English
More Product Details
Page Count: 272
Carton Quantity: 44
Product Dimensions: 5.43 x 0.71 x 8.43 inches
Weight: 0.65 pound(s)
Feature Codes: Price on Product
Country of Origin: US
Subject Information
BISAC Categories
Technology & Engineering | Social Aspects
Technology & Engineering | Gerontology
Technology & Engineering | Internet - General
Descriptions, Reviews, Etc.
publisher marketing
A surprising window into the online lives of people sixty and over--offering essential insights, no matter your age.


Many popular accounts say the older you are, the greater your tech struggles. And it's worrying to think of loved ones emailing cringe-worthy misinformation, falling for phishing attacks, or becoming lonelier with increasing time spent online.


But in their eye-opening book on the internet's fastest-growing demographic, researchers Eszter Hargittai and John Palfrey offer a more nuanced picture--debunking common myths about older adults' internet use to offer hope and a necessary call to action. Incorporating original interviews and survey results from thousands of people sixty and over, Wired Wisdom shows that many, in fact, use technology in ways that put younger peers to shame. Over-sixties are often nimble online and quicker to abandon social media platforms that don't meet their needs. Despite being targeted more often, they also may be less likely to fall for scams than younger peers. And fake news actually fools fewer people over sixty, who have far more experience evaluating sources and detecting propaganda. Still, there are unseen risks and missed opportunities for this group. Hargittai and Palfrey offer practical advice and show that our stereotypes can be hurdles that keep us from building intergenerational support communities, helping loved ones adopt new technology that may improve their lives, and thriving together online.

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List Price $20.00
Your Price  $19.80
Paperback