Older Adults' Technology Use: Connection, Risks, and Empathetic Engagement

Galaxy Brain · December 26, 2025 · Listen to Original Episode →

Original Title:

TL;DR

Older adults are a highly heterogeneous group, and overgeneralizing their technology use as monolithic overlooks significant differences in digital literacy and adoption patterns across age cohorts within this demographic.
While younger generations' high technology use correlates with worse mental health and isolation, older adults often experience technology engagement as a protective factor against loneliness and an enhancer of connectivity.
Increased screen time in older adults is not always problematic; it can serve as a vital lifeline for connection and access to essential services like transportation and food delivery, especially for those who are isolated or have mobility challenges.
The "slop" content consumed by older adults, while seemingly low-quality, can function as a conversation starter, fostering interaction and connection, thereby serving a positive social purpose when shared rather than passively consumed in isolation.
Voice-based AI technologies represent a significant leap in ease of use, potentially increasing adoption among older adults and creating both opportunities for enhanced access and risks related to misinformation and blurring of reality.
Scammers are increasingly targeting older adults through sophisticated screen-based scams, amplified by AI, posing a significant threat due to a potential lack of innate skepticism and media literacy regarding digital interactions.
Approaching concerns about older adults' screen time with curiosity and using their device usage as a conversation starter, rather than judgment, can strengthen familial connection and foster understanding, rather than create further disconnect.

Deep Dive

Older adults are not a monolithic group when it comes to technology use; their engagement varies significantly by age, individual experience, and purpose. While increased screen time is observed, it does not automatically equate to problematic use, and can often serve as a vital tool for connection, learning, and maintaining independence, especially when compared to younger demographics where high tech use is often associated with negative mental health outcomes.

The way older adults interact with technology presents a complex duality. On one hand, established platforms like Facebook, text messaging, and apps for services like ride-sharing and food delivery can significantly enhance daily life by combating isolation, simplifying essential tasks, and providing a lifeline for those with limited mobility. This is particularly true when technology facilitates interaction and communication, as seen with messaging apps that foster connection rather than passive content consumption. Even seemingly low-quality "slop" content can become a positive if it serves as a conversation starter, a shared point of amusement, or an excuse to connect with younger relatives, thereby bridging generational divides.

However, the same technologies can also pose risks. Older adults may be more susceptible to sophisticated online scams, and the prevalence of misinformation on social media can lead to distorted worldviews. Furthermore, the passive consumption of low-quality or algorithmically amplified content, often referred to as "slop," can be detrimental if it replaces meaningful engagement with reality. The rise of generative AI and voice-based assistants introduces new opportunities for connection and efficiency, but also carries risks of blurring the lines between human and machine interaction, and potentially validating harmful or unrealistic ideas. The challenge lies not in the technology itself, but in how it is used and in the potential for platforms to optimize for engagement over user well-being, particularly for those who may lack the media literacy to navigate these digital spaces critically.

Ultimately, approaching concerns about older adults' technology use requires empathy and a focus on connection rather than judgment. Instead of declaring their usage problematic, engaging with them by asking about their interests and using their technology habits as a conversation starter can strengthen relationships. This approach acknowledges the potential benefits of technology in combating isolation and facilitating daily life, while also encouraging a shared understanding and assessment of its impact. The art of digital engagement lies in leveraging technology to foster connection and prevent disconnection, transforming potential risks into opportunities for deeper familial bonds.

Action Items

Audit older adult technology use: Assess for 3-5 individuals, identifying specific platforms and usage patterns to understand context and potential harms (e.g., misinformation, scams).
Create conversation starters: Draft 5-10 open-ended questions (e.g., "What are you watching on your phone?") to foster connection and understanding with older adults about their device use.
Measure impact of interaction: For 3-5 older adults, track changes in their engagement with technology and social connection after implementing conversation-based approaches.
Evaluate platform maturity: For 2-3 commonly used platforms (e.g., Facebook, WhatsApp), assess their evolution and potential for lower-quality content consumption by older users.

Key Quotes

"The key, Vahia argues, is resisting reflexive judgment. Ultimately, this is an issue not of screens versus humans, but of how families navigate connection in a world where attention is mediated by devices in every age group."

Ipsit Vahia emphasizes that judging older adults' technology use is unproductive. He suggests that the core challenge is not the technology itself, but how families can maintain connection when devices mediate interactions for all ages. This perspective shifts the focus from a binary "screens vs. humans" debate to a more nuanced understanding of modern family dynamics.

"The data are fascinating because they find that high technology use in in teenagers and adolescents is associated with worse mental health and is a predictor of sort of more isolation and loneliness even depression whereas in older adults engaging in technology seems to be protecting them from isolation and loneliness and it seems to be enhancing connectivity."

Dr. Vahia highlights a striking contrast in the effects of technology use across age groups. While high tech engagement correlates with negative mental health outcomes in younger individuals, it appears to have a protective effect against isolation and loneliness for older adults. This suggests that technology's impact is not uniform and can serve different, even opposing, functions depending on the user's developmental stage.

"The biggest finding was that it took our human six weeks to answer all the questions and compose their responses it took the bot 13 minutes and a lot of us sort of picked up on the fact that even even though we were not really questioned that you want a human resource you want you want someone to help really work through whatever it is that ails you the truth is our human is not going to be available for a three hour conversation at 11 30 in the night ai is ai is and and ai is close enough to the it's not perfect but there is something to be said for efficiency and access."

This quote illustrates the significant efficiency gains offered by AI in a clinical setting, specifically in providing support for caregivers. While acknowledging the irreplaceable value of human interaction for deep emotional support, the stark time difference in response generation between a human and an AI highlights AI's potential for providing rapid access to information and assistance, especially outside traditional working hours. This points to AI as a complementary resource rather than a complete replacement for human care.

"So so don't be your don't don't go your spending too much time on the phone instead perhaps ask what are you watching on your phone what apps are you into this is what i do with my phone you could use their phone use as a conversation starter as a way to meet them where they are as a way to perhaps enter their world rather than expecting them to to jump straight into your world and you know it can just be the basis of strengthening connection rather than breaking it."

Charlie Warzel suggests a constructive approach for initiating conversations with older adults about their device use. Instead of directly criticizing their screen time, he recommends using their phone usage as a point of entry for dialogue. This method aims to foster connection by meeting individuals "where they are" and entering their world, thereby strengthening relationships rather than creating division.

Resources

External Resources

Books

"Shrimp Jesus" - Mentioned as an example of early AI "slop" content that bewildered some elderly Facebook users.

Articles & Papers

"AI Psychosis" (New York Times) - Mentioned in relation to reporting by Kashmere Hill on problematic chatbot interactions.

People

Ipsit Vahia - Chief of Geriatric Psychiatry at Mass General Brigham’s McLean Hospital, researcher on technology and aging.
Kashmere Hill - New York Times reporter.

Organizations & Institutions

Mass General Brigham - Institution where Ipsit Vahia works.
McLean Hospital - Institution where Ipsit Vahia works.
The Atlantic - Publisher of the podcast and mentioned for its journalism.

Websites & Online Resources

TheAtlantic.com/Listener - URL for subscribing to The Atlantic.
TheAtlantic.com/Give - URL for giving a gift subscription to The Atlantic.
Vanta.com - Website for Vanta, a company that helps with compliance and security.
Megaphone.fm/adchoices - URL for managing ad choices.
Apple Podcasts - Platform for accessing exclusive subscriber audio from The Atlantic.
Spotify - Platform for listening to podcasts.
YouTube - Platform where new episodes of Galaxy Brain drop.
Uber - Ride-sharing app mentioned as a tool for teaching digital literacy.
Lyft - Ride-sharing app mentioned as a tool for teaching digital literacy.
WhatsApp - Messaging app mentioned for its role in interaction and communication.
Facebook - Social media platform mentioned as a mature technology used by older adults.
Instagram - Social media platform mentioned in relation to short-form video content.
TikTok - Social media platform mentioned in relation to short-form video content.
Fox News - News source mentioned in relation to distorted views.
Mintmobile.com - Website for Mint Mobile.

Other Resources

BlueCruise - Hands-free highway driving feature from Ford.
Generative AI - Technology mentioned as a potential shift in tech adoption and interaction.
Large Language Models (LLMs) - Technology discussed in the context of chatbot interactions.
AI Slop - Term used to describe low-quality, potentially misinforming or strange AI-generated content.
AI Psychosis - Informal term for problematic behaviors with chatbots.
Shrimp Jesus - AI slop representation of a Christ-like figure.
Art Therapy - Therapeutic method mentioned as a positive intervention.
Music Therapy - Therapeutic method mentioned as a positive intervention.
Digital Medicine - Field of practice involving technology in healthcare.
Digitally Based Psychiatry - Field of practice involving technology in psychiatry.
AI Use - Application of artificial intelligence in various contexts.
Geriatric Care Manager - Human professional providing care management services.
Dementia - Medical condition discussed in relation to caregiver support.
Doom Scrolling - Term for excessive consumption of negative news online.
Media Literacy - Understanding of how media messages are created and consumed.
Algorithmic Feeds - Content delivery systems driven by algorithms.
Vertical Reel Videos - Short-form video content format.
AI Animal Stuff - Type of content found online.
Compilation Videos of Babies - Type of content found online.
Chinese Language Videos - Type of content found online.
Anti Immigration Stuff - Type of content found online.
Conspiracy Thinking - Tendency to believe in conspiracy theories.
Medical Distrust - Lack of trust in medical information or professionals.
Phone-Based Childhood - Concept of childhood heavily influenced by phones.
Phone-Based Retirement - Concept of retirement heavily influenced by phones.
Isolation - State of being alone or separated.
Misinformation - False or inaccurate information.
Disinformation - False information deliberately spread.
Russian Disinformation Campaign - Mentioned in the context of online information spread.
Scams - Fraudulent schemes.
Screen Time - Amount of time spent using screens.
Problematic Screen Use - Excessive or harmful use of screens.
Text Messaging - Communication via short text messages.
Messenger Apps - Applications for sending messages.
Passive Consumption of Content - Engaging with media without active interaction.
Interaction and Communication - Exchange of information and ideas.
Art of Digital Medicine - Skillful application of technology in medicine.
Art of Digitally Based Psychiatry - Skillful application of technology in psychiatry.
Art of AI Use - Skillful application of artificial intelligence.
Hybrid Answer - A response combining elements from different sources.
Human Function - The role or purpose of humans.
Tethering to Reality - Connecting with the real world.
Untethering from Reality - Disconnecting from the real world.
Ambiguity - Uncertainty or vagueness.
Collective Responsibility - Shared duty or obligation.
Assimilate AI - Integrate AI into a system or process.
Polyanna - Excessively optimistic or cheerful.
External Resources - Mentioned as a category for organizing information.
Core Approach - Mentioned as a principle for organizing references.
Cataloger - Role described as organizing references by type.
Biographer - Role described as documenting comprehensive information.
Explanation Mode - A mode of operation for a technical expert.
Analysis Mode - A mode of operation for a technical expert.
Second-Order Summary - A type of summary.
Key Quotes with Context - A section for extracting quotes.
Hallucination and Fabrication Controls - Rules to prevent generating false information.
Output Format Rule - Guidelines for structuring responses.
10 Principles for Categorical Reference Lists - A set of guidelines.
11 Resource Categories - A list of categories for resources.
10-Point Conversion Checklist - A verification list.
Category Guidelines - Specific instructions for each resource category.
Quality Standards - Criteria for evaluating output.
Format Requirements - Rules for structuring the output.
ASCII Standards - Guidelines for character representation.
Examples - Illustrations of good and bad formatting.
BAD - Example of poor formatting.
GOOD - Example of good formatting.
12-Point Conversion Checklist - A verification list.
Ad/Sponsorship Filtering - Rules for excluding promotional content.
Consumer Goods Advertisements - Type of content to be excluded.
Sponsored Content Segments - Type of content to be excluded.
Self-Promotional Content - Type of content to be excluded.
Commercial References - Type of content to be excluded.
Promo Codes - Type of content to be excluded.
Discount Codes - Type of content to be excluded.
Affiliate Links - Type of content to be excluded.
Referral URLs - Type of content to be excluded.
Duplicate Entries - Items listed more than once.
Standard Order - A specific sequence for categories.
Concrete to Abstract - A principle for ordering categories.
People Section Length - A constraint on the size of the People category.
Role Descriptions - Information about a person's job or position.
Credentials - Qualifications or achievements.
Context - The circumstances surrounding a mention.
Definition - Explanation of what something is.
Parallel Structure - Similar grammatical structure in related items.
Abbreviations - Shortened forms of words or phrases.
Catch-all - A category for items that do not fit elsewhere.
Metrics - A system of measurement.
Frameworks - A basic structure underlying a system or concept.
Recurring Themes - Topics that appear repeatedly.
Analytical Methods - Processes for examining data or information.
Theoretical Frameworks - Conceptual structures used in research.
Measurement Systems - Methods for quantifying data.
Publication Year - The year a book was published.
Source - The origin of an article or paper.
Use Case - A specific application or scenario.
Brief Context of Mention - Short explanation of why someone was mentioned.
Abbreviation - Shortened form of a name or term.
Educational Resources - Materials for learning.
URL - Web address.
Purpose/Relevance - The reason for something's existence or use.
Podcast Name - The title of a podcast.
Why Mentioned - The reason for a podcast being referenced.
Concept - An abstract idea.
Metric - A standard of measurement.
Framework - A basic structure.
Context of Mention - The circumstances surrounding a mention.
Specific Reason - A particular cause or explanation.
Institution - An organization founded for a specific purpose.
Use Case - A specific application or scenario.
Brief Context of Mention - Short explanation of why someone was mentioned.
Context - The circumstances surrounding a mention.
Learning Context - The environment or situation in which learning occurs.
Purpose/Relevance - The reason for something's existence or use.
Why Mentioned - The reason for a podcast being referenced.
Context - The circumstances surrounding a mention.
Substantive References - Significant mentions of resources.
Ad/Sponsorship Filtering - Rules for excluding promotional content.
Promo Codes - Type of content to be excluded.
Discount Codes - Type of content to be excluded.
Affiliate Links - Type of content to be excluded.
Referral URLs - Type of content to be excluded.
Consumer Goods Advertisements - Type of content to be excluded.
Sponsored Content Segments - Type of content to be excluded.
Self-Promotional Content - Type of content to be excluded.
Commercial References - Type of content to be excluded.
Duplicate Entries - Items listed more than once.
Standard Order - A specific sequence for categories.
Concrete to Abstract - A principle for ordering categories.
People Section Length - A constraint on the size of the People category.
Role Descriptions - Information about a person's job or position.
Credentials - Qualifications or achievements.
Context - The circumstances surrounding a mention.
Definition - Explanation of what something is.
Parallel Structure - Similar grammatical structure in related items.
Abbreviations - Shortened forms of words or phrases.
Catch-all - A category for items that do not fit elsewhere.
Metrics - A system of measurement.