Understanding the use and non-use of social communication technologies by older adults: A qualitative test and extension of the ATAUT model

Abstract

Technology has the ability to foster social engagement, but a sizable divide exists between older and younger adults in the use of social communication technologies. The goal of the current study was to gain a better understanding of older adults' perspectives on social communication technologies, including those with higher adoption rates such as email and those with lower adoption rates such as social networking sites (e.g., Facebook, Instagram). Semi-structured group interviews were conducted with either users or non-users of social networking sites to gain insight into issues of adoption and non-adoption of social communication technologies. The Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology model (UTAUT) was adapted and used to categorize the interview content. We found support for a benefit-driven account of social communication technology acceptance and usage, with participants most frequently discussing the degree social communication technologies would or would not help them attain gains in social connectedness, entertainment, and/or information sharing. However, the UTAUT was not sufficient in fully capturing the group-interview content, with additional categories being necessary. For instance, trust in social networking sites (privacy and security concerns) was frequently discussed by both users and non-users. The current results broaden theories of technology acceptance by identifying facilitators and barriers to technology use in the older adult population.

Adequacy of Web-Based Activities as a Substitute for In-Person Activities for Older Persons During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Survey Study

“…Some persons in our sample were reluctant to participate in activities involving a camera or a group. Such privacy concerns were previously reported as reasons for older adults’ hesitation to use the internet [ 25 , 26 ].…”

“…Second, attitudes of older adults toward the internet and technology, including computer anxiety [ 24 ] and concern about data security and privacy, can present obstacles [ 25 , 26 ]. Older adults may find themselves excluded from the “digital world” due to lack of knowledge and skill in the use of modern technologies, which stems from a lack of assistance and training as well as from technology designs that fail to consider their needs, knowledge, and background [ 27 - 29 ].…”

Social Support, Isolation, Loneliness, and Health Among Older Adults in the PRISM Randomized Controlled Trial

“…For example, social media platforms such as Facebook and LinkedIn, offer opportunities to make new friends and share information about life events with friends and family thus promoting connectivity and a sense of belonging. Data from the Pew Research Center (Anderson and Perrin, 2017) indicate that older adults are increasingly using social media platforms to share their experiences and connect with friends and family (see also Bixter et al, 2019). Video chat platforms provide an additional avenue for social communication and cognitive enrichment (e.g., Nie et al, 2020) as well as physical activity (Beer et al, 2015).…”

Gerontechnology — new opportunities in the service of older adults

“…Halicka and Ejdys (2018) conducted a study on humanoid robots designed to provide care to older adults and the related attitude towards such technologies. Researchers from the USA studied the use and understanding of social communication technologies by older adults and their attitude towards this type of technology (Bixter et al, 2019). Older people may encounter problems with memory and memorising, so another study focused on memory notebooks and their usefulness (Dahmen et al, 2018).…”