age

Age is also a contributing factor to the digital divide. Generally the younger generation is better at using computers as opposed to the older generation.  The younger generations grew up with computers so using technology comes naturally to them. In contrast the older generations learnt about computers when grown up. People are generally less likely to use something if they learn about it in later life as opposed to at a young age. This can cause problems as technology is increasingly common in daily life and the older generation may not know how to use it.
For example a Tesco shop installed fully automated checkout, meant to reduce queues. This is were people scan the bar codes of the objects they want to buy themselves and then use a credit card to pay. This was problematic because some of the older generation did not understand how to use it properly. The staff members could not provide proper instructions and refused to open a normal till insisting that the automated machine was used. This caused really long delays and a number of customers just gave up and left. (Daily mail)
To try and reduce this from becoming too great a problem "schools" are set up which teach the older generations basic computer skills. These include using email to communicate with family, online banking and shopping.
Although a lot of the older generation can not use computers there are some who can. These people have been giving the nickname “silver surfers” These people are very computer literate because they know how to do all the basics as well as the younger generation.