An Exploratory Study on the Perceptions and Experiences of the Elderly in Using Generative AI

Objective: This study aims to understand the experiences and challenges faced by the elderly in recognizing and utilizing generative AI technologies and to explore ways to effectively integrate these technologies into their daily lives.<br/>Background: Generative AI technology significantly enhances convenience in daily life and work, with high accessibility and usability. However, its ease of access also facilitates the creation of false information and manipulated content, leading to social problems such as digital fraud and cybercrimes. These crimes pose greater risks to the elderly, who may experience cognitive decline, emotional changes, and lower levels of technological understanding. While generative AI technology can offer significant benefits to the elderly, not knowing about or being unable to use it can lead to inconvenience and even serious harm. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct a comprehensive study on the elderly's perceptions, accessibility, and utilization of generative AI to help them effectively utilize the technology and protect themselves from potential risks.<br/>Method: To deeply understand and analyze the perception changes and usage experiences of generative AI among the elderly, this study conducted generative AI education and experience sessions. Pre- and post-session interviews were conducted to collect qualitative and quantitative data, which were then analyzed from various perspectives to understand the elderly's perceptions and experiences with generative AI.<br/>Results: After the sessions, the elderly's perceptions of artificial intelligence and generative AI showed a statistically insignificant but positive trend. Moreover, their awareness of manipulated information in calls or video calls increased significantly, and their intention to use generative AI services also increased significantly. These results suggest that generative AI education and experience sessions for the elderly are effective in improving positive perceptions of AI and raising awareness of manipulated information. Additionally, the fact that elderly's willingness to use generative AI services increased and they voluntarily used ChatGPT for various purposes in their daily lives implies that generative AI services are very useful, easy to use, and suitable for the elderly.<br/>Conclusion: This study confirmed the potential of generative AI education and experience sessions to enhance the digital capabilities, digital safety, and quality of life of the elderly. To achieve this, continuous and systematic development and operation of generative AI education programs are needed. Furthermore, to increase initial accessibility for the elderly, efforts should focus on their everyday needs, emphasizing the technology's utility and simplicity rather than its technical advantages. In addition, developing age-specific services through improvements such as enhanced voice recognition functions, the use of simple language, and providing detailed explanations will enable more elderly individuals to easily benefit from the technology. Future research should include a larger number of participants and observe the long-term effects of digital education on elderly participants from diverse backgrounds. This approach is expected to more effectively enhance the digital capabilities and quality of life of the elderly.<br/>Application: This study provides insights into the potential of generative AI technology to enhance the digital competencies and safety of elderly individuals. It also suggests the possibility of expanding the application of generative AI technology to the elderly. In the future, continued efforts in both technological and social aspects are needed to improve the quality of life of the elderly in a digital society, and this study hopes to contribute to these efforts.