Reporting on Accessibility Challenges Experienced by South Africa’s Older Mobile Phone Users

Abstract

How might accessibility of mobile telephony affect inter-generational knowledge transfer in developing communities? Motivated by this research question, we investigated mobile phones as potential facilitators of knowledge transfer between generations in South Africa, as an example of a developing country. We focused on mobile phone accessibility for the elderly community, as revealed and interpreted by the younger community. Our analysis uncovers severe accessibility issues that hinder the adoption of mobile devices. We also gained novel insights into inter-generational differences in terms of teaching and learning expectations. Finally, we consider what needs to be in place to encourage the growth of a thriving trans-generational digital community in a developing country.