Skip to main content

Teens top the tech-savvy chart while adults lag behind

If you’re a parent to a teenager this may already be patently obvious, but a new survey has revealed that 14-15 year-olds are the most tech-savvy age group of our generation. The research also found that 6 year-olds had a better understanding of communications technology than those aged over 45.

The study was carried out by British telecommunications regulator Ofcom and involved 2,800 participants. Each of the respondents was given a ‘Digital Quotient’ score — a little bit like an IQ level — to work out just how confident they were with apps, gadgets and modern-day tech. With the average DQ score set at 100, tech-savviness peaks at 113 for ages 14 to 15 and drops to 80 for those aged over 75.

Recommended Videos

Related: Study says that teenage texts = teenage sex

Kids aged 6-7 achieved an average DQ score of 96, and the average score stays above 100 until the age of 35 when it begins to drop off. There’s a particularly steep fall from the age of 60. Ofcom is hoping to use the research to enable better education and improved resources for older people wanting to make use of the Web and the latest gadgets on the market.

chart
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The research also found that communication habits are constantly shifting as a result of changes in technology. For 12-15 year-olds in the UK, just 3 percent of their time is spent making voice calls, with 94 percent of communications based around text. In contrast, 20 percent of UK adults’ communications time is still spent talking over the phone.

Another interesting statistic is that the survey group spent more time using media and communications services each day (8 hours 41 minutes) than they spent sleeping (8 hours 21 minutes). This may be a small sample of Brits, but it points towards the impact that always-on communications and on-demand streaming are having on our lives.

“Our research shows that a ‘millennium generation’ is shaping communications habits for the future,” said Ed Richards, Ofcom’s Chief Executive, in a press release. “While children and teenagers are the most digitally-savvy, all age groups are benefitting from new technology. The convenience and simplicity of smartphones and tablets are helping us cram more activities into our daily lives.”

It’s worth reading through the survey results in full as there’s plenty of eye-opening statistics to consider. There’s also a simplified online Digital Quotient test that you can take yourself to see how well you score.

[Image: Monkey Business Images / Shutterstock.com]

David Nield
Former Contributor
Dave is a freelance journalist from Manchester in the north-west of England. He's been writing about technology since the…
Don’t miss this chance to buy a MacBook Air at $200 off
The MacBook Air on a table in front of a window.

For those who have always wanted to get one of Apple's MacBooks but can't stomach the price tag, here's your chance to buy one for a relatively affordable price. Best Buy has slashed the price of the 13-inch Apple MacBook Air M3 to only $699, for savings of $200 on its sticker price of $899. You need to act fast though, as there's always high demand for MacBook deals. The stocks that are up for sale may already be gone as soon as tomorrow.

Why you should buy the 13-inch Apple MacBook Air M3

Read more
This HP Chromebook is under half-price today — just $190
The HP Chromebook 14 laptop on a white background.

You should turn your attention towards Chromebook deals if you want to buy a new laptop on a tight budget, and we've found an offer that you won't want to miss. From its original price of $410, the HP Chromebook 14 is down to just $190 for savings of $220 from Walmart. You won't always have the chance to get this device for less than half-price though -- in fact, the opportunity may be gone as soon as tomorrow. If you want to take advantage of the discount, you need to buy the Chromebook right now.

Why you should buy the HP Chromebook 14

Read more
Avast’s most complete antivirus plan is 70% off right now
Couple making selfie inside car with open window.

Avast has been popping off with incredible deals this month. The antivirus company recently offered 70% off its Premium tier of virus protection. For the next 30 days, Avast is extending that offer to its Ultimate tier of protection. That means you can protect one device with Avast Ultimate for $33 for a year, down from its usual $110. If you want to cover 10 devices, you'll only pay $42 instead of $140.

Let's dive into what Avast Ultimate offers and why you might want it over the free tier or the Premium plan. This deal is live now, and will stick around for the next four weeks.

Read more