an article by Katey Matthews and James Nazroo (University of Manchester, UK) and Alan Marshall (University of St Andrews, UK) published in Ageing & Society Volume 39 Issue 9 (September 2019)
Abstract
The ability to use the internet frequently is likely to provide a useful means of engaging with society and using services in later life, yet older people are the most likely to suffer digital exclusion, with those of the oldest ages at the greatest risk.
Using six waves (2002–2012) of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing, we model cohort-specific patterns of frequent internet use for people aged 50 and over. Multi-level growth models are used to observe trajectories of internet use over the ten-year period.
Firstly, analyses are stratified by gender and wealth, and secondly we additionally test for health effects.
The study finds cohort-specific differences in patterns of internet use. Rates of internet use increase faster among younger cohorts yet, despite initially increasing, begin to decline among older cohorts. Poor health is shown to be a key factor in shaping the trajectory of internet use over time. Rates of internet use are consistently lower for women than men and for those in poorer financial circumstances, independently of age cohort.
The findings demonstrate the importance of ensuring older people can remain digitally included throughout later life, including after the onset of poorer health, especially as some of these individuals might benefit the most from some of the services the internet can provide.
Showing posts with label internet_use. Show all posts
Showing posts with label internet_use. Show all posts
Monday, 9 September 2019
Monday, 17 June 2019
Identifying risky Internet use: Associating negative online experience with specific online behaviours
an article by Sally M Gainsbury (The University of Sydney, Australia) and Matthew Browne and Matthew Rockloff (Central Queensland University, Australia) published in New Media & Society Volume 21 Issue 6 (June 2019)
Abstract
Experiencing negative outcomes online is increasingly common, with more people active online and the continued presence of aggressive online behaviours.
This study sought to uncover the underlying factor structure of negative online consequences. It investigated how experiencing negative outcomes is associated with engaging in specific online activities. Australian adult Internet users (N = 1773, mean age = 42.5 years, 54.8% female) completed an online survey.
An underlying factor structure was identified with subgroups of negative outcomes identified relating to hacking/identity theft, abuse/harassment, non-targeted scams and targeted scams. Victimisation was associated with engagement with online pornography and forums; use of multiple discussion forums, dating, and gaming sites; and expenditure on gaming, dating and pornography sites.
Results suggest that overall Internet involvement does not predict victimisation, but specific activities are linked to certain harms.
This research creates a framework to inform policy and practice to minimise online victimisation and guide ongoing research.
Abstract
Experiencing negative outcomes online is increasingly common, with more people active online and the continued presence of aggressive online behaviours.
This study sought to uncover the underlying factor structure of negative online consequences. It investigated how experiencing negative outcomes is associated with engaging in specific online activities. Australian adult Internet users (N = 1773, mean age = 42.5 years, 54.8% female) completed an online survey.
An underlying factor structure was identified with subgroups of negative outcomes identified relating to hacking/identity theft, abuse/harassment, non-targeted scams and targeted scams. Victimisation was associated with engagement with online pornography and forums; use of multiple discussion forums, dating, and gaming sites; and expenditure on gaming, dating and pornography sites.
Results suggest that overall Internet involvement does not predict victimisation, but specific activities are linked to certain harms.
This research creates a framework to inform policy and practice to minimise online victimisation and guide ongoing research.
Wednesday, 21 November 2018
A review of Internet use among older adults
an article by Amanda Hunsaker and Eszter Hargittai (University of Zurich, Switzerland) published in New Media & Society Volume 20 Issue 10 (October 2018)
Abstract
As the world population ages and older adults comprise a growing proportion of current and potential Internet users, understanding the state of Internet use among older adults as well as the ways their use has evolved may clarify how best to support digital media use within this population.
This article synthesizes the quantitative literature on Internet use among older adults, including trends in access, skills, and types of use, while exploring social inequalities in relation to each domain.
We also review work on the relationship between health and Internet use, particularly relevant for older adults.
We close with specific recommendations for future work, including a call for studies better representing the diversity of older adulthood and greater standardization of question design.
Abstract
As the world population ages and older adults comprise a growing proportion of current and potential Internet users, understanding the state of Internet use among older adults as well as the ways their use has evolved may clarify how best to support digital media use within this population.
This article synthesizes the quantitative literature on Internet use among older adults, including trends in access, skills, and types of use, while exploring social inequalities in relation to each domain.
We also review work on the relationship between health and Internet use, particularly relevant for older adults.
We close with specific recommendations for future work, including a call for studies better representing the diversity of older adulthood and greater standardization of question design.
Saturday, 14 April 2018
Permanently online and permanently procrastinating? The mediating role of Internet use for the effects of trait procrastination on psychological health and well-being
an article by Leonard Reinecke, Adrian Meier, Stefan Aufenanger, Manfred E Beutel, Michael Dreier, Oliver Quiring, Birgit Stark, Klaus Wölfling and Kai W Müller (Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Germany) published in New Media & Society Volume 20 Issue 3 (March 2018)
Abstract
A growing number of studies suggest that Internet users frequently utilize online media as “tools for procrastination”. This study thus investigated the relationship between trait procrastination, Internet use, and psychological well-being in a representative sample of N = 1,577 German Internet users.
The results revealed that trait procrastination was associated with an increased use of leisure-related online content and impaired control over Internet use. As a result, Internet users high in trait procrastination showed a higher risk of experiencing negative consequence of Internet use in other life domains. These negative repercussions of insufficiently self-regulated Internet use partially accounted for the correlation between trait procrastination and impaired well-being (i.e. stress, anxiety, and depression)
These findings underline the role of online media as an instrument for dysfunctional task delay among Internet users. Implications of the results are discussed with regard to media use and self-control in general and procrastinatory media use in specific.
Keywords Habit, Internet use, procrastination, self-control, well-being
Full text (PDF 19pp)
Abstract
A growing number of studies suggest that Internet users frequently utilize online media as “tools for procrastination”. This study thus investigated the relationship between trait procrastination, Internet use, and psychological well-being in a representative sample of N = 1,577 German Internet users.
The results revealed that trait procrastination was associated with an increased use of leisure-related online content and impaired control over Internet use. As a result, Internet users high in trait procrastination showed a higher risk of experiencing negative consequence of Internet use in other life domains. These negative repercussions of insufficiently self-regulated Internet use partially accounted for the correlation between trait procrastination and impaired well-being (i.e. stress, anxiety, and depression)
These findings underline the role of online media as an instrument for dysfunctional task delay among Internet users. Implications of the results are discussed with regard to media use and self-control in general and procrastinatory media use in specific.
Keywords Habit, Internet use, procrastination, self-control, well-being
Full text (PDF 19pp)
Monday, 24 August 2015
A nuanced understanding of Internet use and non-use among the elderly
Alexander JAM van Deursen (University of Twente, The Netherlands) and Ellen J Helsper (London School of Economics and Political Science, UK) published in European Journal of Communication Volume 30 Number 2 (April 2015)
Abstract
This article examines explanations for both Internet use and non-use by older individuals.
Older adults are often considered a homogeneous group with uniform reasons for Internet non-use, or when they are online, practicing a uniform range of activities.
The study gathered data concerning senior non-users through a national telephone survey. Data concerning senior Internet users were obtained through a nationally representative online survey.
The findings suggest that although a substantial part of the senior Internet non-users live in surroundings that enable Internet uptake, they seem to be less eager or unable to do so.
Important differences among senior non-users are based on gender, age, education, household composition and attitude towards the Internet. Differences among users were based on life stage, social environment and psychological characteristics.
This article thus reveals that older citizens are a very diverse group in which some are more likely to be digitally excluded than others.
Abstract
This article examines explanations for both Internet use and non-use by older individuals.
Older adults are often considered a homogeneous group with uniform reasons for Internet non-use, or when they are online, practicing a uniform range of activities.
The study gathered data concerning senior non-users through a national telephone survey. Data concerning senior Internet users were obtained through a nationally representative online survey.
The findings suggest that although a substantial part of the senior Internet non-users live in surroundings that enable Internet uptake, they seem to be less eager or unable to do so.
Important differences among senior non-users are based on gender, age, education, household composition and attitude towards the Internet. Differences among users were based on life stage, social environment and psychological characteristics.
This article thus reveals that older citizens are a very diverse group in which some are more likely to be digitally excluded than others.
Tuesday, 12 March 2013
Beneath the ‘Digital Native’ myth: Understanding young Australians’ online time use
an article by Jonathan Smith, Zlatko Skrbis and Mark Western (The University of Queensland, Australia) published in Journal of Sociology Volume 49 Number 1 (March 2013)
Abstract
As young people’s internet use shapes their experiences of education, work and personal relationships, their portrayal as ‘Digital Natives’ suggests that they are invariably better positioned than preceding generations to capitalise on such changes.
Recent debates in internet use research undermine this view.
While acknowledging socio-demographic differences in use, theorists disagree as to whether these reflect disparities in internet access, processes of social stratification, or users’ rational assessment of risks and opportunities.
Incorporating these views, this article develops a framework for investigating differences in academic and social internet use by using data from 6,444 high school students in Queensland, Australia.
The results show that different factors structure students’ entry into these use pathways. Since social use depends on one’s home access context, remote students with poorer access spent less time on this activity, whereas students at independent and Catholic schools were heavier academic users, because they possessed the requisite academic orientation.
Abstract
As young people’s internet use shapes their experiences of education, work and personal relationships, their portrayal as ‘Digital Natives’ suggests that they are invariably better positioned than preceding generations to capitalise on such changes.
Recent debates in internet use research undermine this view.
While acknowledging socio-demographic differences in use, theorists disagree as to whether these reflect disparities in internet access, processes of social stratification, or users’ rational assessment of risks and opportunities.
Incorporating these views, this article develops a framework for investigating differences in academic and social internet use by using data from 6,444 high school students in Queensland, Australia.
The results show that different factors structure students’ entry into these use pathways. Since social use depends on one’s home access context, remote students with poorer access spent less time on this activity, whereas students at independent and Catholic schools were heavier academic users, because they possessed the requisite academic orientation.
Tuesday, 27 November 2012
Understanding the online information-seeking behaviours of young people: the role of networks of support
an article by R. Eynon and L.-E. Malmberg (University of Oxford, UK) published in Journal of Computer Assisted Learning
Volume 28 Issue 6 (December 2012)
Abstract
Information seeking is one of the most popular online activities for young people and can provide an additional information channel, which may enhance learning.
In this study, we propose and test a model that adds to the existing literature by examining the ways in which parents, schools, and friends (what we call networks of support) effect young people’s online information behaviours, while at the same time taking into account young people’s individual characteristics, confidence, and skills to use the Internet.
Using path analysis, we demonstrate the significance of networks of support in understanding the uptake of online information seeking both directly and indirectly (through enhancing self-concept for learning and online skills).
Young people who have better networks of support, particularly friends who are engaged in technology, are more likely to engage in online information seeking.
While quantitative models of this nature cannot capture the complexity of individual online search practices, these findings may assist in the development of policy and practice to support young people to make the most effective use of the Internet for information seeking.
Abstract
Information seeking is one of the most popular online activities for young people and can provide an additional information channel, which may enhance learning.
In this study, we propose and test a model that adds to the existing literature by examining the ways in which parents, schools, and friends (what we call networks of support) effect young people’s online information behaviours, while at the same time taking into account young people’s individual characteristics, confidence, and skills to use the Internet.
Using path analysis, we demonstrate the significance of networks of support in understanding the uptake of online information seeking both directly and indirectly (through enhancing self-concept for learning and online skills).
Young people who have better networks of support, particularly friends who are engaged in technology, are more likely to engage in online information seeking.
While quantitative models of this nature cannot capture the complexity of individual online search practices, these findings may assist in the development of policy and practice to support young people to make the most effective use of the Internet for information seeking.
Wednesday, 28 March 2012
Internet use and depression among older adults
an article by Shelia R. Cotten and Timothy M. Hale (University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA), George Ford (Phoenix Center for Advanced Legal & Economic Public Policy Studies, Washington DC) and Sherry Ford (University of Montevallo, USA) published in Computers in Human Behavior Volume 28 Issue 2 (March 2012)
Abstract
The findings regarding the impact of Internet use on well-being are mixed and studies are often criticized due to small samples and lack of consistency in measurement. Fewer studies have examined this issue among older adults.
The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between Internet use and depression among retired Americans age 50 years or older. Using data from the Health and Retirement Survey, the study estimates the relationship between Internet use and depression through combined use of regression and propensity score methodologies.
All empirical methods indicate a positive contribution of Internet use to mental well-being of retired older adults, reducing depression categorization by approximately 20–28%.
Abstract
The findings regarding the impact of Internet use on well-being are mixed and studies are often criticized due to small samples and lack of consistency in measurement. Fewer studies have examined this issue among older adults.
The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between Internet use and depression among retired Americans age 50 years or older. Using data from the Health and Retirement Survey, the study estimates the relationship between Internet use and depression through combined use of regression and propensity score methodologies.
All empirical methods indicate a positive contribution of Internet use to mental well-being of retired older adults, reducing depression categorization by approximately 20–28%.
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