Factors affecting Access to and  Acceptance of Technology

When new technology is develop, people are often curious, interested & sometimes scared. People form different attitudes to new technologies and will make decisions regarding its purpose with different values and beliefs in mind. Acceptance of it can be measured by repeat sales, recommendations to friends and positive feedback provided to manufacturers. The following factors either limit or enhance the opportunities for people to access technology and may play a part in whether or not the technology is accepted or condemned.

Age is a key factor for the access to and acceptance of Technology. The Digital Inclusion Score for 65-74 year olds in 2021 was 57.3 (13.8 lower than the national level) and for 75+ was 47.4 (23.7 lower than the national level) (ADII, 2021).

Many who didn’t grow up with technologies (Older Australians - 65+) may resist use due to confusion or fear. This generation are the slowest ot adapt to new technologies, however, technology use has increased within this age group over the last six years:

• Mobile phones used to access internet - 78% in 2020 up from 51% in 2017

• Use of smart TV's - 48% in 2020 up from 14% in 2017.

• Household Internet - 93% in 2020 up form 68% in 2017.

(ACMA, 2021)

 Generally speaking, the older population is likely to resist change, but some have embraced it. The use of social networking within the older population doubled between 2010-2011. 

Some cultural groups may be isolated due to language barriers and require technology enabling varying languages or verbal prompts. This allows for increased access and acceptance.

Interestingly, Australians who speak a language other than English at home are in general more digitally included than others. People in this demographic group recorded a 2021 Index score of 73.9 which is 3.5 points higher than Australians who only speak English, and 2.9 points higher than the 2021 national score. (ADII, 2021)

Some people migrate from cultures where technology is not widely been used. These population groups are more likely to oppose it. For example:

• The Amish are very traditional/primitive and oppose the use of modern forms of technology

Technology in education has become inseparable and has therefore increased the acceptance and access within the community.

It the past, students in remote regions could not access technology and relied on monthly lessons sent via mail, but can now access education instantly via online learning platforms. For example:

• The use of CANVAS has closed the gap between rural and metropolitan education.

• State Schools Relief Scheme - donating laptops and internet connection to students.

However, those poorly educated and denied technology in education may be resistant in adopting technology for their own children in the future.

Perhaps the greatest barrier for access and acceptance.

Families from lower socioeconomic groups may have the desire and acceptance of Technology, however, reduced access due to financial status. This is known in australia as the digital divide.

• 3% of high-income households don’t have access to the internet, but this increases to 33% among the lowest income Australian households (Mitchell Institute, 2020)

• 14% of all Australians would need to pay more than 10% of their household income to gain quality, reliable connectivity. (ADII, 2021)

Adequate standard of living may have higher priority over expensive technology. However, free public internet services attempt to close this gap.

Conflict may arise between children who want latest technology and ability of parents to provide it.

People with a disabilty make up 23% of all Australians who are classified as 'Highly Excluded' (DII <45.0). (ADII, 2021)

However, this sector has also benefited significantly from technology advances.

• This sector has benefited from improved access to online services and education in order to improve learning.

• Advancement of medical equipment has significantly improved the well being of people living with disabilities. 

Eg//MRI’s, CT scans, prosthetic hips, knees and limbs.

In 2021, digital inclusion is 5.5 points higher in capital cities (72.9) than in regional areas (67.4) (ADII,2021)

However, the expansion of communication services in rural areas is closing this gap and have made education, communication and business more accessible.

Eg// Rural areas were a priority area for the NBN roll out.

Some regions still have limited access to this technology and/or technicians to service and install such technology.

Gender has minimal impact on a national level, however, in 2021 the DII for women (64.0) is slightly lower than that recorded for men (65.4). This disparity plays out across each of the Digital Ability components, apart from in their social activities. In social activities women are 2.9 points higher than men. (ADII 2021)

Gender stereotyping may cause us to associate certain technology with a particular sex. This can cause a barrier for acceptance for either gender.

Eg// Males = Machinery and Engineering // Females = Social networking and Blogs

The values and standards possessed by the individual regardless of gender will determine whether the piece of technology is accepted. However, social norms and stereotyping play a part in this factor.

Religion plays a huge role in shaping culture and value systems.

Religion can sometimes restricts access 

Eg// Amish don't use any mechanical devices, telephone, cars etc

Some religious groups use technology to spread their gospel messages through TV and Online platforms.

Eg// Online services due to COVID // Online communities.

For each of the following, identify and discuss the factors that affect access and acceptance of Technologies:

1. An aged Farmer

2. A Teenage female who is the primary carer for her disabled mother

3. A homeless 45-year old male

4. A young refugee

Explain why the access and acceptance of technology varies. (6 Marks)