Understanding Older Adults' Perceptions and Challenges in Using AI-enabled Everyday Technologies

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled everyday technologies could help address age-related challenges like physical impairments and cognitive decline. While recent research studied older adults' experiences with specific AI-enabled products (e.g., conversational agents and assistive robots), it remains unknown how older adults perceive and experience current AI-enabled everyday technologies in general, which could impact their adoption of future AI-enabled products. We conducted a survey study (N=41) and semi-structured interviews (N=15) with older adults to understand their experiences and perceptions of AI. We found that older adults were enthusiastic about learning and using AI-enabled products, but they lacked learning avenues. Additionally, they worried when AI-enabled products outwitted their expectations, intruded on their privacy, or impacted their decision-making skills. Therefore, they held mixed views towards AI-enabled products such as AI, an aid, or an adversary. We conclude with design recommendations that make older adults feel inclusive, secure, and in control of their interactions with AI-enabled products. CCS CONCEPTS• Human-centered computing → Empirical studies in accessibility.

New Horizons in artificial intelligence in the healthcare of older people

“…wearables) and can therefore collect large amounts of sensitive, personal data from patients in their own homes. A qualitative study of older people’s perception of AI technologies found data privacy to be a key concern, with older people feeling more vulnerable to privacy threats [ 49 ]. Older people with cognitive disorders or reduced technological literacy are particularly at risk [ 50 ].…”