Older people and internet engagement: Acknowledging social moderators of internet adoption, access and use

Abstract

Purpose

This paper seeks to describe a deep investigation of the phenomenon of internet engagement amongst older people. The likelihood of internet engagement has been shown in previous work to rapidly decrease with age, and patterns of disengagement are most pronounced amongst older people.

Design/methodology/approach

The study comprises a qualitative investigation consisting of observation and interviews conducted within a programme of internet literacy workshops funded by the Welsh Assembly Government.

Findings

The reflection of previous research with data collected has led to the development of a model of older people's internet engagement. This model helps us better understand the context for patterns of engagement and disengagement with the internet.

Practical implications

The model of internet engagement is used to highlight a number of strategies that should be considered in future policy intervention in the area of digital inclusion.

Originality/value

The model described offers a more sophisticated instrument for understanding the issue of the digital divide amongst this excluded group and potentially may be applied more generally in understanding the complex nature of this issue.

Citation

Hill, R., Beynon‐Davies, P. and Williams, M.D. (2008), "Older people and internet engagement: Acknowledging social moderators of internet adoption, access and use", Information Technology & People, Vol. 21 No. 3, pp. 244-266. https://doi.org/10.1108/09593840810896019