Internet perceptions among older adults in Sweden

Abstract

Introduction The digital inequality is still present after decades of development and diffusion of digital media. Age is one of the most important factors predicting access, use, skills, and outcomes, which is somewhat paradoxical as information and communication technologies can create opportunities for older adults to sustain independent living. To increase understanding of older adults' online engagement, this study focuses on perceptions of the internet usage and how it can be a useful tool in everyday life. Method A representative survey (n = 841). Results Analyses point to decreasing support for the internet with increasing age - also within the group of 66 to 85 years old. There are significant correlations between perceptions and internet experience, whereas sociodemographic factors have weak explanatory power. Interestingly, large shares of older adults do not have any opinion of the internet, which could partly explain the persistence of the digital divide and difficulties to increase digital literacy. Discussion Online experience and level of anxiety overrule socio-demographics in explanatory power to perceptions. The internet is perceived useful, but also interferes with common habits, the view of digital technology in everyday life and computer anxiety. The findings could affect policy implementation, where it would be useful to implement the idea of the Internet and create an awareness that might precede an intention to advance one's use.

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