It’s hard to imagine a time when we weren’t all connected by screens. For many of us, navigating the online world is second nature—whether it’s chatting with friends, paying bills, or finding information, technology is always at our fingertips. But if you’ve ever had to help your parents or grandparents figure out how to use a new app or set up their phone, you know that not everyone finds it so easy. In fact, many adults turn to their children for help, as highlighted in ExpressVPN’s survey on how to teach your parents about tech.
While younger generations often easily adapt to technology, many older adults feel left behind. Tasks that seem simple—like downloading a new app, booking a doctor’s appointment online, or resetting a password—can be overwhelming for those who didn’t grow up with digital devices. As the world moves more and more online, having confidence in your ability to navigate technology is becoming less of an option and more of a necessity.
Why Understanding Technology Matters
Understanding technology is more than just knowing how to use a smartphone. It’s about staying connected to the world around you, protecting your personal information, and making everyday tasks more manageable. Digital literacy often comes naturally to younger generations. However, learning how to use technology can be a steep curve for older generations.
The ability to confidently navigate the online world can make a real difference in your life. Take online banking, for example older adults might be hesitant to check their accounts online without a solid grasp of technology, leaving them vulnerable to missed payments or even fraud. Or think about social connections—staying in touch with family and friends across distances has never been easier, but only if you’re comfortable using social media, video calls, and messaging apps.
Millennials, particularly younger Millennials, have an advantage when it comes to these skills. They’ve grown up with technology at their fingertips, and it shows in their confidence in navigating the digital world.
Younger Millennials Lead in Digital Confidence
Among all generations, younger Millennials (aged 27 to 34) stand out for their high level of digital confidence. The majority of Millennials feel comfortable navigating technology, with about 80% in countries like France and Italy saying they have a strong understanding of digital tools. In the U.S., digital confidence among Millennials is equally high. But in countries like Spain, confidence dips slightly, with around 66% feeling comfortable using technology.
So, what sets Millennials apart? It’s their ability to adapt to the ever-changing digital landscape. From the rise of smartphones to the explosion of social media, this generation has seen it all—and they’ve been quick to keep up. Whether it’s managing online finances, staying connected with family through apps, or even troubleshooting tech issues on their own, Millennials have become digital pros.
As we look at older Millennials (ages 35-42), their digital confidence remains strong, particularly in the U.S. and Italy. However, as we move into Generation X (ages 43-58) and Baby Boomers (ages 59 and older), the gap in digital confidence becomes more pronounced. Many Gen Xers and Baby Boomers find themselves struggling to keep up with the rapid pace of technological change, and confidence levels drop sharply in countries like France and Spain.
This generational divide in digital literacy highlights how Millennials, especially the younger ones, are leading the charge in embracing and mastering new technology.
The Value of Digital Confidence
For Millennials, digital confidence isn’t just about keeping up with the latest gadgets or apps—it’s about having the skills to navigate a world that’s becoming increasingly digital. Whether it’s handling online security, managing personal finances, or staying informed, being digitally literate is essential for modern life.
One key insight from ExpressVPN’s study shows that Millennials, especially in countries like the U.S. and Italy, recognize the importance of digital literacy. Around 45-46% of younger Millennials believe keeping up with technology is extremely important. This is in contrast to older generations, many of whom don’t place as much value on these skills, particularly in countries like France, where digital literacy isn’t seen as a high priority.
But digital confidence isn’t just about convenience—it’s about staying safe online. Millennials, more than any other generation, understand the risks of online threats like phishing scams, data breaches, and privacy invasions. Their confidence in using technology goes hand in hand with a strong understanding of how to protect themselves from these dangers.
Building Your Own Digital Confidence
If you’re not as confident in your digital skills, don’t worry—you can always improve. Start by exploring the tools and apps that you’re less familiar with, whether it’s setting up online banking, learning about online security practices, or simply browsing the web more efficiently.
For older generations, asking for help from a tech-savvy friend or family member can make all the difference. The key is to practice and stay curious. Technology is always evolving, and the best way to stay confident is to keep learning.
Conclusion
Millennials are leading the way when it comes to digital confidence, showing that staying connected and informed in the online world is a skill anyone can master. As younger generations continue to embrace technology, the gap between them and older adults becomes more noticeable, highlighting the need for everyone to build their digital skills.
Their comfort with technology isn’t surprising—according to an article written from GWI, Millennials are particularly confident when it comes to using digital tools, driven by their adaptability to the fast-paced world of tech innovations.
Whether you’re a Millennial honing your skills or someone from an older generation trying to catch up, digital confidence is something you can develop with time and practice.
Ready to boost your digital confidence? Start by exploring new apps and tools, and remember—the more you practice, the easier it gets.
