Contrasting Internet Adoption in Early and Advanced Old Age: Does Internet Self-Efficacy Matter?

Abstract

Objectives Understanding why older adults (including those in very old age) use or do not use the Internet can build on the technology acceptance model (TAM). In this cross-sectional study, we translate the TAM to the Internet and assume that perceived usefulness of the Internet (PUI) and perceived ease of use of the Internet (PEUI) will be revealed as major predictors of behavioural intention to use the Internet (BII). Additionally, we consider the role of Internet self-efficacy (ISE) as another major factor for older adults’ Internet use. We also argue that life phase, particularly early as opposed to advanced old age, may moderate how PUI, PEUI and ISE relate to BII. Method A sample of 1,200 older adults aged 60 years and older (60–74 years, n = 658; 75–99 years, n = 542) was randomly drawn from the city of Stuttgart, Germany. Sociodemographic variables and major indicators of TAM and ISE were assessed based on a computer-assisted telephone interviewing procedure. Results Latent structural equation modelling revealed that PUI is the more important predictor of BII in older adults. Furthermore, ISE revealed statistically meaningful positive links with PUI, PEUI and BII. Multi-group comparison revealed that PUI had a stronger linkage with BII in early old age, whereas ISE was more important for BII in advanced old age. Discussion The results suggest that ISE may enrich the network of TAM constructs among older adults in general but specifically in advanced old age.

The factors affecting tourism mobile apps usage

“…This finding confirms the current body of knowledge (Kim & Kim, 2004;Lai, 2014;Hew et al, 2015;Kim et al, 2006;Bi & Kim, 2020;Lu et al, 2011;Raman, 2019;Khadir, Ravindranath, & Sen, 2021;Ozturk et al, 2021;Hatamifar, Ghaderi, & Nikjoo, 2021;Tak & Gupta, 2021;Medeiros et al, 2022). In terms of technological self-efficacy, the finding of this paper also supported previous research (Hasan, 2006;Rahman, Ko, Warren, & Carpenter, 2016;Latikka, Turja, & Oksanen, 2019;Wilkowska, Heek, & Ziefle, 2021;and Jokisch et al, 2021). As can be seen, the findings of the study not only support the literature but also add conceptual value with the tested model.…”

“…The findings of Wilkowska, Heek, and Ziefle (2021) showed that technological self-efficacy significantly affected the user acceptance of lifelogging technologies. Jokisch et al (2021) found that technological self-efficacy was a major factor in older adults' Internet use. Accordingly, the hypothesis relating to technological self-efficacy is as follows:…”

Acceptance of digital health services among older adults: Findings on perceived usefulness, self-efficacy, privacy concerns, ICT knowledge, and support seeking

“…Studies addressing empirical evidence related to the TAM with old and very old adults are rare, as are studies with an explicit focus on digital health services ( 10 ). However, there is evidence that associations of the TAM change with increasing age ( 11 ). In the “young-old” age between 60 and 75 years, when many resources are still available for most individuals, perceived usefulness has been shown to be crucial.…”

The association between information and communication technologies, loneliness and social connectedness: A scoping review

“…More specifically, after introducing ICTs to older adults, many reported improved independence and autonomy ( Straka and Clark, 2000 ; White et al, 2010 ; Bobillier Chaumon et al, 2013 ; Pimentel et al, 2016 ); self-esteem and ICT self-efficacy ( Billipp, 2001 ; Woodward et al, 2010 ; Bobillier Chaumon et al, 2013 ; Tsai et al, 2015 ; Pimentel et al, 2016 ). It is of great importance that older adults believe in their capacity to use ICTs, a hallmark of self-efficacy, as it is a predictor for both mid-term and long-term ICT adoption and use ( Czaja et al, 2006 ; Mitzner et al, 2019 ; Jokisch et al, 2021 ). One study identified the significance of age in relation to ICT and self-efficacy.…”