Wired Wisdom: How to Age Better Online

Speaker:   Eszter Hargittai, University of Zurich

Abstract

People aged 60 and over are the fastest-growing group of internet users. While many assume that older adults lack digital skills or are more susceptible to online scams, research suggests otherwise. In this talk, Eszter Hargittai will share insights from her book Wired Wisdom (co-authored with John Palfrey, University of Chicago Press, 2025), highlighting how older adults engage with digital media and what individuals, support networks, journalists, policymakers, and companies can do to improve these experiences. The book was selected by The Wall Street Journal as one of the Best Books of 2025 on Healthy Aging and was also recognized by New Scientist as one of the Best Popular Science Books of 2025.

Speaker's Profile

Eszter Hargittai is a Professor and holds the Chair in Internet Use & Society in the Department of Communication and Media Research at the University of Zurich. Hargittai's research focuses on the social and policy implications of digital media with a particular interest in how differences in people's Internet skills/digital literacy influence what they do online, and how these may translate into changes in life chances. Her work has received awards from the American Sociological Association, the International Communication Association, the National Communication Association, the Eastern Sociological Society, and the Telecommunications Policy Research Conference. In addition to her academic articles, she has published numerous op-eds (e.g., Covid-related op-eds), her work has also been featured in many popular media outlets including the New York Times, CNNfn, USA Today, the Chicago Tribune, the Washington Post, international outlets, and many others.

Date: Monday, April 13, 2026

Time: 16:15-17:20 (JST)

Venue: TBA

Language: English

Registration: Please use the QR code or Link (except for MCC273 students).