Older Adults in the Digital Age: Inclusion and Security.

• In Event: Digitalization of Life and New Forms of Harm: Victimization & Harmful Behavior in the Cyberspace

Abstract

The digital divide refers to the disparity between individuals, households, businesses,and geographical areas at varying socioeconomic levels regarding their access to Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), Internet use, and related skills. In the case of Older Adults (OA), this disparity is evident in both access to digital tools and the knowledge needed to use them. To address digital tool usage and cyber victimization, we adopted a mixed research methodology, combining quantitative and qualitative approaches. Initially, we conducted a quantitative pilot study to analyze the variables of interest descriptively. The results revealed that a significant part of the OAs uses new technologies for more than one hour daily, although 77% of them had not received specific training in these tools, and their perception of online vulnerability was low (1.6 out of 4). In a second stage, we complemented the quantitative findings with semi-structured qualitative interviews, directed at both users and non-users, seeking to delve deeper into the differences between the two groups. We used the Atlas.ti software to analyse the interview transcripts, creating a network of nodes (or categories) that allowed us to visualise the relationships between the identified variables. This analysis highlighted the importance of social support in adapting to the use of ICTs and once again confirmed the widespread lack of training in digital technologies. Participants who did not feel skilled and perceived themselves as vulnerable opted more frequently not to use new technologies. Therefore, comprehensively addressing the digital divide is critical. Implementing educational programmes to improve digital literacy, including cybersecurity training, is essential. Additionally, creating inclusive, accessible technologies and initiating public policies to promote digital equity for both existing and yet-to-start users is necessary.

Authors

• Nieves Erades, Miguel Hernández University of Elche

• Esther Sitges-Macia, Miguel Hernández University of Elche