Bridging Generations: The Role of Digital Media in Fostering Intergenerational Collaboration and Knowledge Exchange

Ana Carla Amaro, Ligia Kallas

2025

Abstract

This exploratory study investigates the role of digital media and technology in shaping intergenerational relationships between grandparents and grandchildren, focusing on knowledge exchange and collaborative interactions. Seventeen participants, consisting of eight grandparents (aged 60–75) and nine grandchildren (aged 10–18), were involved in a gamified escape room activity designed to foster collaboration. The activity required participants to solve riddles using digital tools such as smartphones, mobile apps, and social media, followed by semi-structured interviews to explore their experiences. Results revealed a reciprocal learning process, where grandchildren often guided grandparents in technology use while grandparents shared cultural knowledge and traditional skills. The activity highlighted the complementary strengths of both generations, with grandparents contributing with historical knowledge and grandchildren offering technological expertise. Despite technological anxiety and generational differences in digital proficiency, the study found that structured activities like the escape room can enhance collaboration and strengthen intergenerational bonds. Depending on its use, technology emerged as both a facilitator of connection and a potential barrier. The findings suggest that digital tools can significantly bridge generational gaps, promote mutual learning, and foster deeper intergenerational relationships.

Paper Citation

in Harvard Style

Amaro A. and Kallas L. (2025). Bridging Generations: The Role of Digital Media in Fostering Intergenerational Collaboration and Knowledge Exchange. In Proceedings of the 11th International Conference on Information and Communication Technologies for Ageing Well and e-Health - Volume 1: IS4WB_SC; ISBN 978-989-758-743-6, SciTePress, pages 389-397. DOI: 10.5220/0013488000003938

in Bibtex Style

@conference{is4wb_sc25,
author={Ana Amaro and Ligia Kallas},
title={Bridging Generations: The Role of Digital Media in Fostering Intergenerational Collaboration and Knowledge Exchange},
booktitle={Proceedings of the 11th International Conference on Information and Communication Technologies for Ageing Well and e-Health - Volume 1: IS4WB_SC},
year={2025},
pages={389-397},
publisher={SciTePress},
organization={INSTICC},
doi={10.5220/0013488000003938},
isbn={978-989-758-743-6},
}

in EndNote Style

TY - CONF

JO - Proceedings of the 11th International Conference on Information and Communication Technologies for Ageing Well and e-Health - Volume 1: IS4WB_SC
TI - Bridging Generations: The Role of Digital Media in Fostering Intergenerational Collaboration and Knowledge Exchange
SN - 978-989-758-743-6
AU - Amaro A.
AU - Kallas L.
PY - 2025
SP - 389
EP - 397
DO - 10.5220/0013488000003938
PB - SciTePress