Bridging the Second Digital Divide： A Study on the Mechanism of Technological Appropriation in Older Adults' Use of Short Video Platforms

Abstract

Abstract: Recently, older adults have become a significant user group on short video platforms such as Douyin. However, many older adults face challenges and concerns when using these platforms. Based on affordance theory and technology appropriation theory, this study takes Douyin as the research platform and employs the critical incident technique to conduct semi-structured interviews and field observations with 21 older adults. Thematic analysis is then used to analyze the data,exploring the process of older adults'use of short video platforms from both a process-oriented perspective and the perspective of intrinsic psychological needs. The findings reveal that multiple factors influence older adults' appropriation or non-appropriation to short video platforms at various stages. Non-appropriation can be classified into two types: initial resistance and constraints during the interaction stage, while appropriation follows a two-stage process: adoption and the fulfillment of psychological needs. Based on these findings, a technological appropriation mechanism model for older adults using short video platforms is developed. The study contributes to research on social media use among older adults, expands the application and scope of affordance and technology appropriation theories, and provides practical insights for designing age-friendly short video platforms and enhancing the digital literacy of older adults.

Lian Jingwen, Li Xinyue, Zhao Yuxiang, Zhu Qinghua. Bridging the Second Digital Divide： A Study on the Mechanism of Technological Appropriation in Older Adults' Use of Short Video Platforms[J]. Libraly Journal, 2026, 45(5): 107-119.

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