Tech Generation Gap Widens

A new study shows that the technology generation gap between younger and older Americans is widening. The survey, conducted by Forrester Research, found that Generation Y and Generation X outpace the Baby Boomers and Seniors on almost everything technology-related.

The tech generation gap has been spurred on particularly by Generation Y's rapid integration of mobile and social behaviors, the survey found. For example, among Gen Y and Gen X, 23 percent own a smartphone, while 17 percent of Americans of all ages own these devices. Gen Y is particularly mobile savvy, with 85 percent regularly sending or receiving text messages, compared with 57 percent of all US consumers over the age of 18. In addition, 27 percent of Gen Yers access social networks on their mobile devices, compared with 14 percent of all consumers. Thirty-seven percent of Gen Y members access the mobile Internet, compared with 23 percent of all consumers, the study found.

Gen Xers closely rival their younger counterparts in technology adoption, however, with both groups spending about 17 hours online per week. But Gen Xers have mastered the art of using digitial tools in a more functional manner, particularly if it supports their family's needs, Forrester found. Baby Boomers and Seniors are more reserved in their adoption of technologies. They tend to adopt those that play a role in their pre-established behaviors, the survey found.

Has the tech generation gap widened or changed at your office? Are new mobile and social networking behaviors the cause for this change?