Information and Communication Technology Use and Social Connectedness over the Life Course

Technological innovation and adoption is, at root, a social process that unfolds over time. In this review, we connect ideas from life course and technology studies to examine social connectedness among youth, working age, and older adults. We argue that a sensitivity to key life course themes – especially timing and transitions, linked lives, and social and historical context – in studies examining the implications of technological innovation and social connectedness will generate deeper understanding of the role that technology use plays in shaping social life.