From digital divide to psycho-digital divide: Elders and online social networks

Abstract

En el presente estudio analizamos la evolución del concepto de la brecha digital para los mayores desde la perspectiva del envejecimiento activo y en el contexto de la utilización de las redes sociales como instrumento de comunicación. Consideramos que las variables socio-demográficas no tienen suficiente poder para explicar la utilización o no de las tecnologías de la comunicación (TIC) por los mayores. Las variables de corte psicológico, como la edad cognitiva, la ansiedad tecnológica o el nivel de audacia complementan a las anteriores, e incluso, pueden ser más explicativas del comportamiento del mayor con relación a la utilización de redes sociales. Los resultados provenientes de una muestra de mayores, alumnos del Aula de Experiencia de una universidad, nos permiten confirmar que nuestras dudas acerca del estereotipo de los mayores respecto a la brecha digital son acertadas y que las variables psicológicas sirven, en mayor grado, para mostrar las diferencias significativas existentes entre usuarios y no usuarios de redes sociales en cuanto a la determinación del perfil de los mismos. El usuario mayor de redes sociales se siente más joven, experimenta un menor nivel de ansiedad tecnológica y es más audaz. En general, las características psicológicas ofrecen, por tanto, mayor poder discriminante que las socio-demográficas, por ello proponemos el concepto de brecha psico-digitalThe present study analyzes the evolution of the concept of the digital gap with the elderly from the perspective of active ageing and in the context of the use of online social networks as a communication instrument. We consider that socio-demographic variables are not enough to explain the elderly’s use or non-use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). Psychological variables, such as cognitive age, technology anxiety and the level of venturousness complement the former and can even explain more the elderly person’s behaviour regarding the use of online social networks. The results come from a sample of elderly people who are students of an Experience Classroom in a university. They allow us to confirm that our doubts about the stereotype of the elderly concerning the digital divide are correct and that the psychological variables serve to a greater extent to show the significant differences with respect to determining their profile. The elderly user of online social networks feels younger, experiences a lower level of technology anxiety and is more adventurous. In general, psychological characteristics therefore offer a more discriminant power than those that are socio-demographic. This is why we propose the concept of a psycho-digital divid

Social Network Communications in Chilean Older Adults

“…The World Health Organization [ 23 ] has defined active aging as “the process of optimizing opportunities for health, participation, and security to enhance the quality of life as people age.” The term “active” suggests “continued participation in social, economic, cultural, spiritual, and civic issues, not just the ability to be physically active.” In this sense, ICT and SNS appear as an essential means to promote this objective [ 24 ]. More recently, the World Health Organization [ 25 ] set the top 10 priorities for older people to fit into the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.…”

Doing Age in a Digitized World—A Material Praxeology of Aging With Technology

“…Peral-Peral et al (2015) even go so far as to speak of a "psycho-digital divide" (p. 57), arguing that preferences, beliefs and perceived constraints explain more about technology acceptance than socio-structural variables like income or education (Seifert and Schelling, 2016).…”

A scoping review exploration of the intended and unintended consequences of eHealth on older people: A health equity impact assessment

“…Also, individuals who do have experience, but do not have easy access to a computer at home, tend to have more difficulties using eHealth in public spaces (Chou et al, 2013). Despite having little or no experience with technologies, older adults with family members or friends who provide encouragement and technological support are more likely to access eHealth (Larsson, Larsson-Lund, & Nilsson, 2013;Peral-Peral, Arenas-Gaitán, & Villarejo-Ramos, 2015). Conversely, those without the appropriate social support generally feel insecure, anxious, and fearful when confronted with new technological devices and online applications, resulting in reduced uptake of eHealth interventions (Cresci, Yarandi, & Morrell, 2010).…”