The 50-plus generation is digitally fit

Although streaming services like Netflix are not yet heavily used, the 50-plus generation prefers TV on demand. The majority also remains loyal to the newspaper, and the willingness to pay for a subscription is still there, although almost half of those surveyed observe a decline in media quality. In addition, more than 80 percent of respondents store online, although only 36 percent reveal their credit card information to do so. The results of the survey are impressive: The 50-plus generation feels comfortable in the digital world.

How do you watch television?

Time-shifted TV has taken over! At 46 percent, the majority of respondents watch when they want. Only 44 percent let the clock dictate the time and switch on in the traditional way when the daily news comes on. 5 percent use both options, and 3 percent even no longer have a TV and watch TV on their tablet or PC. The remaining 2 percent no longer watch TV at all.

Where do you watch feature films?

Although the majority no longer use classic TV, streaming services such as Netflix have not yet been able to establish themselves among the 50-plus generation: Only 7 percent prefer this channel, and around 47 percent still wait until the movie they like is shown on TV. 42 percent watch movies time-shifted, 4 percent use DVDs and one person says they still feel most comfortable with VHS.

Do you subscribe to a daily newspaper?

The 50-plus generation remains largely loyal to print, with a slight majority (56 percent) still buying a subscription.

Where do you read the newspaper most of the time?

At 48 percent, almost half of those surveyed read the printed newspaper at home. 35 percent read the newspaper on their tablet or PC, another 10 percent on their cell phone, and 7 percent prefer to read the newspaper in printed form in a café.

Are you willing to pay for journalistic content?

There is still a great willingness to pay here: 52 percent of those surveyed would still like to pay for it, 45 percent inform themselves about free content on the Internet. 3 percent will pay when the paywall comes down on the Internet.

Would you pay to not have to watch ads anymore?

Around a third of those surveyed would pay to no longer have to watch advertising. A further third (32 percent) are not bothered by advertising because they see the economic necessity. 26 percent are generally not bothered by advertising, and 9 percent use an adblocker on their PC, tablet and cell phone.

How do you feel about the quality of the media?

Journalism comes off badly on this question. 43 percent of respondents say that journalists used to be better at their craft. 27 percent don't notice any difference, and 15 percent even recognize better quality because there is much more competition these days. Another 15 percent that clickbaiting and co. are rated much higher than content and quality.

How comfortable are you in the digital world?

The 50-plus generation is in a positive mood: 69 percent of those surveyed are looking forward to the new challenges.

Who will help you if you get tangled up on the Internet?

Google also enjoys a high level of trust among this generation: At 34 percent, slightly more than a third ask the search giant for help, 23 percent ask their own children for advice, 13 percent their partner, 8 percent consult a helpline and 2 percent get advice from their grandchildren. 20 percent do not seek help and solve the problem themselves.

How do you make phone calls?

Mobile telephony has finally overtaken the fixed network: Three quarters of respondents make mobile calls, 40 percent of them with a smartphone and 35 percent with a cell phone. 23 percent still use the fixed network, and 2 percent communicate only via SMS or voice messages.

How many apps do you have on your smartphone or cell phone?

60 percent have more than ten apps installed on their smartphone, 17 percent have between five and ten, 11 percent use fewer than five apps and 12 percent claim they would have no apps at all on their mobile phone.

What do you use the Internet for most?

Around 40 percent say they spend most of their time Googling. 24 percent consume news, 22 percent write emails most of the time, 9 percent stay in touch with friends this way, 5 percent book trips and 1 percent look at photos of their grandchildren most often.

Do you have your own homepage?

69 percent of respondents think this would be too complicated for them. 24 percent, on the other hand, operate their own website. 7 percent of respondents say they didn't even know it was possible to have their own homepage.

Which social media do you use the most?

WhatsApp is used most by around 61 percent of respondents! 9 percent say they used Facebook the most, Instagram is used the most by only one percent. No one uses Twitter the most. The remaining 29 percent say they prefer to contact people directly.

Do you store on the Internet?

The 50-plus generation seems to have no reservations about the Internet, as 36 percent of respondents store with a credit card and disclose their data. 18 percent have a limited card that is used specifically for online shopping, and another 28 percent only shop on the Internet against invoice. The remaining 18 percent still prefer the tried and true trip to the store.