Digital Inclusion of Urban Elderly through the Lens of Algorithmic Imaginary

Abstract

Digitalization of present-day cities has exacerbated the problem of digital inclusion for elderly populations. Digital health communication practices among elderly urban residents is the most significant aspect of this problem, bearing direct relevance to their health and longevity. Policies supporting the digital well-being of elderly urban dwellers require more than simply developing media use skills. They require understanding how older adults perceive and interact with algorithmic systems shaping their information environments. Within the frameworks of deep mediatization and algorithmic imaginary theories, digital literacy is conceptualized as users' capacity to critically reflect on their embeddedness in socio-technical ecosystems. The Chinese case illustrates how intergenerational relationships, cultural traditions, and local community support networks shape the ways older adults interact with health information in digital environments. Sustainable approaches to bridging the digital divide must account for these complex, culturally embedded mechanisms. Understanding the psychological pathways linking digital literacy to actual communication behavior is essential for comprehending the particulars of digital participation among aging urban populations