Understanding older adults’ use of social technology and the factors influencing use
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 11202166 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Gemma Wilson (0000-0001-7362-7048, Northumbria University, corresponding author), Jessica R Gates (0000-0002-8934-025X, Northumbria University), Santosh Vijaykumar (0000-0003-1083-7966, Northumbria University), Deborah Morgan (0000-0003-2418-9592), Deborah J Morgan (0000-0002-3107-3945, Swansea University) |
| Year | 2023 |
| Volume | 43 |
| Issue | 1 |
| Pages | 222-245 |
| Publication date | 2023-01-01 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Ageing and Society (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0144-686X • E-ISSN: 1469-1779 |
| Publisher | Cambridge University Press (CUP) (PUBLISHER) |
| DOI | 10.1017/s0144686x21000490 |
| OpenAlex | W3156686426 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 39 |
| References cited | 59 |
Having access and skills to use social technology, i.e. social internet use, social media and social applications, are considered as being vital to online social connection. Whilst evidence exists around facilitators and barriers to general technology use, evidence is limited with regards to the motivators, skills and tangible offline benefits older technology users experience with social technology. Therefore, this study used a qualitative, exploratory method to understand older adults’ experiences of using social technology to connect with others. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 older adults (65+ years) across England, Scotland and Wales. Despite having access to social technology for social connection, and using this technology regularly, multiple barriers impacted motivators and skills for use, namely perceived self-efficacy and fear, the culture of online communication, absence of social capital and physical functioning. Some of these barriers of social technology use are reminiscent of barriers of wider technology use and emphasise the importance of addressing these barriers for digital exclusion, as well as social connection. However, some of these barriers were specific to social technology use and should be considered when providing guidance or interventions to increase older adults’ online social connection. Social connection was a clear tangible outcome to social technology use, and individuals discussed the benefits of using social technology, particularly visual communication tools, for online connection
Digital divide · Exploratory research · Internet access · Internet privacy · Political science · Psychological intervention · Public relations · Social capital · Social engagement · Social media · Social philosophy · Social relation · Social science · Social technology · Sociology · The Internet · World Wide Web · Aging and Gerontology Research · Computer Science · Health disparities and outcomes · Psychology · Social Psychology · Technology Use by Older Adults
Does online informal social capital enhance healthcare technology adoption among older adults? The mediating role of attitudes
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Everyday algorithmic imaginaries
Social Networks, New Technologies, and Wellbeing—An Interview Study on Factors Influencing Older Adults’ Successful Ageing
Barriers of digital health self-management in older adults with multimorbidity using a novel user-focused approach
Effects of social media use on e-health literacy and quality of life among older adults in Taiwan
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Validation of the French fear of missing out (FoMO) scale across the lifespan
Who needs What Support? Exploring the relationship between intergenerational support and digital media use among Chinese older adults
How do older adults cross the digital divide and enjoy the benefits of ride-hailing services with the collision of the aging and digital society in China
Barriers and support strategies for older adult participation in online learning in Taiwan
Leveraging social media for older Chinese adults’ English language learning
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Are you able to walk? Asked the bank clerk.” Everyday legal problems and access to justice from the perspective of older people
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Patterns of Technology Use Among Older Adults With and Without Disabilities
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Impact of Internet Use on Loneliness and Contact with Others Among Older Adults
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A randomized controlled trial of the psychosocial impact of providing internet training and access to older adults
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Mapping the two levels of digital divide
The implications of information and communication technology use for the social well-being of older adults
Dimensions of Internet use
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| Unique citing works | 39 |
|---|---|
| Citations per year | 13 |
| Citation span | 2023 - 2026 (4) |
| Citation velocity | current |
| Highly cited | No |
| Citation types | Neutral: 38 |