Top 30 technical terms that leave over-65s baffled - including smishing and URL

02 October 2023 , 13:51

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Smishing, vishing, and hyperlink are the top digital jargon terms – that leave over-65s baffled, a study has found.

One in six older adults admit they don't understand technical words or phrases such as ransomware, QR codes, or “The Cloud”. And even Google, emojis, and social media made the list of top 30 things that go over their heads when it comes to being online.

This leaves elderly Brits feeling silly, frustrated, or even stupid, according to the poll of 2,000 adults, over the age of 65.

And many wish they had someone to teach them these things, and show them what to do online – but 16% worry that asking for help will make them seem like a burden.

It also emerged that one in ten (11%) feel that digital terms are so complicated, that learning a foreign language would be easier.

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To help older people get a better understanding of online jargon, BT Group has partnered with AbilityNet, and lexicographer Susie Dent, to create a Digital Dictionary, consisting of the 21 most commonly misunderstood words used on the internet.

Susie said: “Whilst so much of modern life seems easier online – whether that’s booking a doctor’s appointment, managing your finances, or doing the weekly shop – we’re forgetting one crucial thing: it’s only easier if you understand the language the web is built on. So, it’s great that this Digital Dictionary is a guide that simplifies the language.”

The survey also found the over-65s spend just five and a half hours a week online – with 78% feeling left behind by their lack of knowledge.

Just over half (54%) wish they were more knowledgeable when it comes to computing – but 17% of these feel a lack of motivation, while others believe there is simply too much to learn.

And while easy access to information (31%), convenience (17%), and keeping in touch with friends and family (15%), were deemed good things about the online world, many had negative things to say.

A third (34%) say their most-disliked thing about being online is scams, while 14% have privacy concerns. And one in ten also stress that not every piece of information they see online is credible, according to the OnePoll.com figures.

Victoria Johnson, spokeswoman for BT Group, added: “As younger generations grow up with the internet, it gets even harder for older generations to understand ever-changing online jargon.

“But for anyone who isn’t a digital native, and didn’t grow up with smartphones or super-fast broadband, it can feel like a whole new world to some.

“It’s a shame to see from the research that older adults feel they are a burden when asking for help navigating their way online. We want to create a more inclusive society, by helping them make the most of life in the digital world.

“We hope that the variety of online guides will give people the confidence to start exploring the internet, and will give them all the training and support needed to live life to the full in the digital age.”