Digital Society: Intergenerational conflict between myth and reality
Intergenerational conflict between myth and reality
Keywords:
digital communication, digital ageism, age-related stereotypes, intergenerational dialogueAbstract
Intergenerational conflict is an inevitable phenomenon, present in all societies and times, based on differences in mentality, values and life experiences. Over time, this conflict has often been interpreted through myths and stereotypes that exaggerate the contrast between the young and the old. On the one hand, young people are often seen as rebellious, non-conformist, disrespectful of traditions and too concerned with new technologies. On the other hand, older generations are often characterized as rigid, difficult to persuade to change, and unable to adapt to new social and cultural realities. However, reality is much more complex than these generalizations. Intergenerational conflict is not only an opposition between old and new, but also an image of the way in which society evolves. Each generation has its own landmarks and challenges, shaped by the historical and technological context in which it lives. In many cases, generational differences are not necessarily an obstacle, but rather an opportunity for mutual learning and adaptation. This is why it is important to analyse both the myths that fuel these tensions and the realities that engender them, trying to identify solutions for generations to better understand each other and collaborate. This paper aims to explore, with the help of a survey, the manifestations of “intergenerational conflict”, balancing both traditional perspectives and the changes that shape relations between young and elderly people in contemporary society, a society strongly influenced by digital communication.
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