Adults’ Readiness to Embrace 4th Industrial Revolution Emerging Technologies in the South African Context

With the advent of the 4th Industrial Revolution (4IR), emerging technologies have influenced individuals and society. Yet, most of the available literature in South Africa focuses on implementing 4IR in the education sector, namely, colleges and higher education institutions. As a result, little is known about ordinary adults’ readiness to embrace 4IR. This study sought to investigate the adults’ readiness to embrace 4IR emerging technologies. A designed questionnaire was used to collect data from 103 adults about their technophobia level and willingness to embrace emerging technologies. Collected data, using the questionnaire, was analysed using descriptive statics. The general findings of this study demonstrated that adults had positive attitudes and perceptions regarding emerging technologies. Furthermore, it was discovered that adults were aware of the social influence, usefulness and benefits they could derive from 4IR emerging technologies and were enthusiastic over learning about them. Furthermore, the study suggested how to assist these adults, so they are able to take advantage of 4IR and become part of the future workforce.