Understanding entangled human-technology-world relations: use of intelligent voice assistants by older adults

Introduction. Emerging technologies like intelligent voice assistants or social robots can shape human relations with the world. To illustrate how an emerging technology mediates relations and shapes social practices in the context of aging, we present findings on use of voice assistants by older adults. Method. We analysed interviews with 24 older adults by adopting a post-phenomenological perspective to examine how an emerging technology actively mediates relations between older individuals and their larger social world. Results. Our findings surface the different types of relations that voice assistants mediate between older adults and their larger social world, unpacking how these relations shape social practices around what it means to give company to pets, to live alone, or to give and receive care. Discussion. We discuss implications for understanding the mutually constitutive relations between older adults and the emerging technologies they use and opportunities in designing to support neglected relations, and accounting for nonhuman actors in technology and aging research. Conclusion. We provide a preliminary understanding on how an emerging technology shapes social practices in later life. This understanding is crucial for aging and technology research, as several emerging technologies (e.g., social robots) target older adults, yet little is known about the relationships and discursive practices that shape their use.