A new UK survey indicates that many over‑65s may be heavier mobile users than their adult children, prompting concerns over scams, propaganda and AI‑generated misinformation. The research, by advocacy group Help for Seniors, questioned 2,000 UK adults with at least one parent aged 65 or older.
In the study, 32.2% of respondents said one or both parents probably have more screentime than they do and that this is a concern. A further 28.75% believed their parents have more screentime but did not view it as a problem, while 19.05% said their parents rarely use mobile devices and 20% reported parents who use them regularly but for less time than their adult children.
The biggest worry is online fraud and scams, cited by 61.65% of respondents. Political propaganda concerned 50.05%, negative social media content 45.65%, and screentime replacing hobbies or exercise 44.65%. There was also a specific concern about AI‑generated fake content, raised by 39.4% of respondents.
Almost half of those surveyed (48.7%) said they have encouraged parents to reduce screentime because they are concerned, while 10.35% are worried but have not raised the issue. Over‑use was linked to a lack of other interests (29.4%), difficulty pursuing existing interests (24.55%), poor weather (19.4%), a desire to stay connected (26.65%) and some degree of compulsion (26.65%).
Nathan Cook of Help for Seniors said:
“For years, the conversation about screentime has focused almost entirely on children and teenagers. These findings show that many of our parents and grandparents are now living highly digital lives too – sometimes spending more time on their phones than we do. On the one hand, that connectivity can be a lifeline, helping older adults stay in touch, entertained and informed. On the other, families are clearly worried about scams, propaganda and AI‑driven fake content, as well as the risk that devices quietly crowd out hobbies, movement and real‑world connection. We need to move beyond the idea that screentime is just a ‘young people’ issue and start talking honestly, and kindly, about what healthy, age‑friendly technology use looks like in later life.”
Help for Seniors is calling for age‑friendly safety tools, scam awareness and support for older adults to balance their screentime with offline activities.
