The complexities of the role of children in the process of technology transmission among disadvantaged families: A mixed-methods approach

Using mixed methods that triangulated survey data with interviews and focus groups, this
study explores the complexities of the process of technology transmission from children
to parents in vulnerable contexts, such as rural communities in Chile. The findings suggest
that among Internet users, about one-fourth learned from their children and a similar
percentage relied on them to perform different tasks. Both the quantitative and qualitative
results suggest that in many families, both processes are closely intertwined and are more
likely to occur among people of a similar profile—women, older people, and less educated
people. In addition, they are significantly associated with parents’ improved digital skills,
but not with more online activities.