Wu. JoCTEC 2022 5(2), pp. 30-52 DOI: 10.51548/joctec-2022-007 30 JoCTEC: Journal of Communication Technology (ISSN: 2694-3883) Fostering Resilience: Understanding Generational Differences in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Social Media Use Ming-Yi Wu Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA Correspondence: m.wu@northeastern.edu Abstract By analyzing survey data collected from 2,002 participants in 5 generational cohorts in the United States, this study examines generational differences in information and communication technology (ICT) and social media use behaviors. The intersection between digital divide theory and generational cohort theory provides the theoretical foundation for this study. There are two major findings. First, there are significant differences in ICT use among 5 different generations (Generation Z, Generation Y, Generation X, Boomers, Silent Generation). In terms of ICT access and use, the silent generation is left behind other generations. Thus, the grey divide still exists. Second, different generations have different preferences for social media platforms. For example, more Generation Z participants use Snapchat, Twitter, and Instagram. This study brings additional insights into generational differences/divide in ICT and social media use. Practical suggestions are provided to narrow the generational divide and to foster communicative resilience among different generations amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Keywords: resilience; COVID-19; ICT; social media; digital divide; grey divide; generational cohorts Peer review: This article has been subject to a double-blind peer review process open access JoCTEC is an open access journal meaning that all content is freely available without charge to the user or their institution. Users are allowed to read, download, copy, distribute, print, search, or link to the full texts of the articles, or use them for any other lawful purpose, without asking prior permission from the publisher or the author. Open access is an ongoing publication practice that differs from the traditional manner academic journals are published and then received by the reading public. In Open Access publication model neither readers nor a reader’s institution are charged for access to articles or other resources. We ask that users in turn give proper citation of the original publication or link to the full texts of these articles for any non-commercial purposes A subscription to the journal in which these articles are published is not required. Published by the Communication Technology Division of the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication The Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication