AGEISM SOURCES AFFECT TECHNOLOGY ACCEPTANCE ON WEARABLE ROBOTS: A RANDOMIZED BETWEEN-SUBJECT EXPERIMENT
2024

How Ageism Affects Acceptance of Wearable Robots

Sample size: 237 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Cheng Clio Yuen Man, Lou Vivian Weiqun

Primary Institution: The University of Hong Kong

Hypothesis

Ageism impacts technology acceptance, particularly in the context of soft wearable robots.

Conclusion

The study found that ageism from technology developers negatively affects the intention to use wearable robots, while ageism from family and friends has a more positive influence.

Supporting Evidence

  • Ageism from technology developers had a significant negative impact on the intention to use wearable robots.
  • Ageism from family and friends was associated with a significantly higher perceived external control of wearable robots.
  • Ageism from family and friends yielded a notably higher perception of health benefits associated with wearable robots.

Takeaway

Older people might not want to use wearable robots if they feel that tech developers look down on them, but support from family and friends can help them see the benefits.

Methodology

A randomized between-subject experiment with six animation vignettes was conducted.

Participant Demographics

Older adults aged 50 to 74 in Hong Kong.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p = .029

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1093/geroni/igae098.4270

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