Barna Research on Generational Differences in Technology

If you are in ministry, hopefully you are familiar with the Barna Group.  This is a group that conducts research and training on faith and culture.  If your ministry is interested in closing the gap between young worshipers and older worshipers, you might be interested in an article they published:  New Research Explores How Technology Drives Generation Gap.  An excerpt from this article follows.

Technology is fast becoming the latest driving force behind what is often called the “generation gap.” While Americans of every age have become quite comfortable with and dependent on technology, a new study by The Barna Group explores how technology

is shaping different experiences and expectations among generations.

Although all Americans – both young and old – benefit from technology, the generational divide brought on by digital tools is significant. The key findings of the research include the fact that each successive generation is adopting and using technology at a significantly greater pace than their predecessors. Yet, the study also shows the exponential reliance on digital tools among Americans under the age of 25.

Importance of Tech

Technology usage is not the only chasm between the young and old. Another gap is each of the generation’s perceptions about technology. Not surprisingly, younger adults are more likely to admit “gadget lust” than is true of older adults. For instance, among the youngest adult Americans – those ages 18 to 24, a group the Barna Group labels Mosaics – more than one-fifth (22%) said they consider owning the latest technology to be a very high priority in life, compared to only one out of every 11 adults over the age of 25 (9%).

Follow the link above for the full article.  It is well worth reading if you are trying to bridge the gap with your younger worshipers.

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Tags: Barna Group, ministry, research on youth and technology