おじさん全然検索しない問題｜mann

Why Older Men in Japan Don't Search Online

This article investigates the phenomenon of older Japanese men (and to some extent, other demographics) not utilizing internet searches readily available on their smartphones. The author, also an older man, proposes several reasons for this behavior.

Reasons for Not Searching

• Poor Smartphone Functionality:

  Many older individuals possess slow, outdated smartphones with poor performance, making the search experience frustrating.

• Flick Input Difficulty:

  Some struggle with the flick input method, finding it slow and difficult compared to older phone interfaces.

• Poor Search Skills:

  Difficulty formulating effective search queries leads to unsuccessful searches and reinforces avoidance.

• Low Knowledge Thirst/Preference for Short Content:

  Many prefer short, easily digestible content, avoiding the effort of reading longer search results.

• Distrust of Online Information:

  Some harbor distrust in online information due to concerns about misinformation.

The author concludes that this avoidance isn't solely due to laziness but stems from a combination of technological barriers, personal habits, and psychological factors. Bridging this gap presents challenges, and the author emphasizes the role of assisting those less digitally fluent, even if it involves a somewhat condescending approach.

The Widening Digital Divide

The article highlights the growing digital divide, particularly in Japan, where the inability to easily access and verify information online can lead to increased susceptibility to misinformation. The author suggests that assisting others with simple online searches can help mitigate this issue.