Factors affecting access to and acceptance of technology

There are a number of factors affecting access to and acceptance of technology, which will either help or hinder individuals and groups. These include 

• • Education 

  • Gender 

  • Geographic location 

  • Religion 

  • Age 

  • Culture 

  • Economic status 

  • Disability

1. For each of the following individuals, identify and discuss factors that affect access to and acceptance of technologies.

A) An aged farmer

• May not have experience with digital technology, may not accept online banking or using email (Age)

• Due to isolation, may not have access internet (Geographic location)

• Gender roles may mean that he is more experienced with technology relating to farming, for example egg sorting machines (Gender)

• Lower SES (subject to weather events, flood and drought that may mean reliance on government subsidies to support earnings or just to stay afloat) may mean that desire to acquire innovative technologies such as a new car or a mobile phone/iPad may not be prioritised (SES).

B) A teenage female who is the primary carer for her disabled mother

C) A homeless 45-year-old male

D) A young refugee

2. Discuss how the factors you have identified impact upon each individual, their family or their community.