Technophilia or technophobia: the unified model of the paradox of Taiwanese older adults’ digital learning

Previous research on technology adoption has primarily focused on younger populations, while older adults’ approach-avoidance conflicts toward digital learning have been relatively underexplored. This study aims to fill that gap by examining digital learning among older adults in Taiwan, incorporating target-specific elements related to their learning process. The unified model developed in this research highlights key barriers and provides new insights into the paradoxical hesitation older adults experience toward technology. A total of 20 older adults from Taiwan (mean age 63.85, 25% male) were interviewed. The study reveals that: (1) social influence is a major precursor for older adults’ exposure to digital technology; (2) both acceptance and barrier factors influence older adults’ digital learning; (3) older adults exhibit paradoxical hesitation toward technology; and (4) three types of senior digital learners can be identified: tech-native learners, tech-novice learners, and tech-rejector learners. This research contributes to understanding how older adults in Taiwan navigate the complexities of digital learning.