Digital Inclusiveness--Longitudinal Study of Internet Adoption by Older Adults

Abstract

In order to build a digital inclusive society, both government and nongovernment organizations in countries such as China, Japan, Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, and the United States have been offering training programs to the general public and establishing communitywide public access computer facilities in recent years. However, offering training programs and enabling access to facilities are not sufficient on their own if, due to other reasons, the socially disadvantaged groups do not choose to make use of the facilities. As an exploratory investigation, this study focuses on the voluntary adoption of these facilities (typified by the Internet) by one such disadvantaged group-older adults. In particular, this study investigates the role of Internet self-efficacy and outcome expectations in older adults' usage of the Internet through a three-part longitudinal study, involving almost 1,000 participants. A theoretical model based on social cognitive theory was developed and empirically tested through both surveys and lab experiments. Behavioral modeling training courses were offered to adults age 55 or older in the study over a one-year period. Questionnaire surveys and cognitive knowledge assessments were conducted. In general, the findings in the longitudinal study (including three repeated measures) validated the affects of Internet self-efficacy and outcome expectations on usage intention, and the important roles of support and encouragement in the formation of self-efficacy and outcome expectations. Limitations and implications are discussed.KEY WORDS AND PHRASES: behavioral modeling, computer training, digital divide, digital inclusiveness, information systems adoption, Internet self-efficacy, social cognitive theory. Downloaded by [University of Sydney Library] at

Older adults’ experiences and perceptions of digital technology: (Dis)empowerment, wellbeing, and inclusion

“…In support of this proposition, studies with adults across the life-span have consistently found that a greater sense of self-efficacy is associated with greater technology use (e.g., Eastin & LaRose, 2000;Karavidas et al, 2005). Further, a greater sense of self-efficacy specifically for the internet is associated with greater internet use (Lam & Lee, 2006;Salanova et al, 2000). Additionally, research has focussed on capturing and quantifying behaviours and phenomena throughout the life-span (Weil & Rosen, 1995).…”

“…Within the context of an ageing society, planning for social resilience in this way has been a focus of the literature both in the US, UK, and other countries and is crucial to future proofing our public services and current levels of support (McMellon & Schiffman, 2012;Gatto & Tak, 2008;Lam & Lee, 2006). Recent studies have used quantitative survey methods to examine older adults' experiences of technology use (e.g., Vroman et al, 2015); however, to gain a deeper insight and understanding focus groups were conducted in the current study.…”

“…Behind this impetus to enhance social inclusion is the recognition that we live in a changing society with many services and resources accessible only through digital means as a mechanism to meet funding shortfalls (Lam & Lee, 2006;McMellon & Schiffman, 2012). Although older adults represent a growing group of technology users (Vroman, Arthanat, & Lysack, 2015), the ever evolving nature of technology means that individuals need ever increasing levels of digital literacy to maintain their sense of inclusion.…”

L’Internet dans les centres d’accès communautaire au Chili : une étude sur le processus d’appropriation et les significations de l’usage

“…C'est le cas de Thatcher et al (2007) qui soulèvent l'importance du soutien des collègues pour diminuer l'anxiété due à l'implantation d'une nouvelle technologie dans une organisation, en milieu de travail. Lam et Lee (2006) quant à eux, observent l'importance du soutien chez les personnes de plus de 55 ans dans la perception qu'ils ont de leur propre capacité à utiliser une nouvelle technologie. Nous allons voir plus tard que le réseau d'appui intervient également de façon importante dans le processus même d'apprentissage d'Internet, un aspect que nous abordons dans la partie sur la maîtrise cognitive et technique de la technologie.…”

Elderlys' Perception about The Value of Assistive Technologies for their Daily Living: Impacting Factors and Theoretical Support

“…Self-efficacy defines an elderly person's self-perceived capability with respect to certain technology-specific tasks. For example, if seniors do not think that they are able to enter URLs, or create bookmarks and folders they would not use computers [37].…”