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Understanding ICT Use For Social Connectedness Among Older Adults

Winsten, Carl LU and Anand, Dhiraj LU (2025) INFM10 20251
Department of Informatics
Abstract
Social isolation and loneliness among older adults are growing public health concerns. Although information and communication technologies (ICT) are increasingly promoted to foster social connectedness, how older adults perceive and adopt these technologies remains underexplored. This study applies the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) to examine ICT engagement among older adults in Skåne, Sweden. A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews explored their digital habits, learning strategies, influence from family and friends, and the barriers and enablers shaping ICT use. Digital tools such as video calls, voice calls, and messaging were perceived as helpful for maintaining contact, particularly in... (More)
Social isolation and loneliness among older adults are growing public health concerns. Although information and communication technologies (ICT) are increasingly promoted to foster social connectedness, how older adults perceive and adopt these technologies remains underexplored. This study applies the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) to examine ICT engagement among older adults in Skåne, Sweden. A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews explored their digital habits, learning strategies, influence from family and friends, and the barriers and enablers shaping ICT use. Digital tools such as video calls, voice calls, and messaging were perceived as helpful for maintaining contact, particularly in geographically distant families. However, digital communication was largely viewed as a complement rather than a substitute for face-to-face interaction. Key barriers included cognitive fatigue, low intrinsic motivation, interface complexity, limited trust in digital systems, and a desire to maintain autonomy. Additionally, two emergent themes – (1) digital overload and (2) trust and risk perception extended the UTAUT framework by highlighting emotional and psychological dimensions of digital engagement in old age. The findings offer deeper insight into how older adults navigate ICT use in socially complex contexts and suggest recommendations for more inclusive, age-sensitive digital interventions. (Less)
Popular Abstract
Social isolation and loneliness among older adults are growing public health concerns. Although information and communication technologies (ICT) are increasingly promoted to foster social connectedness, how older adults perceive and adopt these technologies remains underexplored. This study applies the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) to examine ICT engagement among older adults in Skåne, Sweden. A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews explored their digital habits, learning strategies, influence from family and friends, and the barriers and enablers shaping ICT use. Digital tools such as video calls, voice calls, and messaging were perceived as helpful for maintaining contact, particularly in... (More)
Social isolation and loneliness among older adults are growing public health concerns. Although information and communication technologies (ICT) are increasingly promoted to foster social connectedness, how older adults perceive and adopt these technologies remains underexplored. This study applies the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) to examine ICT engagement among older adults in Skåne, Sweden. A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews explored their digital habits, learning strategies, influence from family and friends, and the barriers and enablers shaping ICT use. Digital tools such as video calls, voice calls, and messaging were perceived as helpful for maintaining contact, particularly in geographically distant families. However, digital communication was largely viewed as a complement rather than a substitute for face-to-face interaction. Key barriers included cognitive fatigue, low intrinsic motivation, interface complexity, limited trust in digital systems, and a desire to maintain autonomy. Additionally, two emergent themes – (1) digital overload and (2) trust and risk perception extended the UTAUT framework by highlighting emotional and psychological dimensions of digital engagement in old age. The findings offer deeper insight into how older adults navigate ICT use in socially complex contexts and suggest recommendations for more inclusive, age-sensitive digital interventions. (Less)
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author
Winsten, Carl LU and Anand, Dhiraj LU
supervisor
organization
course
INFM10 20251
year
type
H1 - Master's Degree (One Year)
subject
keywords
Older Adults, Social Isolation, Loneliness, ICT, UTAUT
language
English
id
9202784
date added to LUP
2025-06-19 09:17:24
date last changed
2025-06-19 09:17:24
@misc{9202784,
  abstract     = {{Social isolation and loneliness among older adults are growing public health concerns. Although information and communication technologies (ICT) are increasingly promoted to foster social connectedness, how older adults perceive and adopt these technologies remains underexplored. This study applies the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) to examine ICT engagement among older adults in Skåne, Sweden. A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews explored their digital habits, learning strategies, influence from family and friends, and the barriers and enablers shaping ICT use. Digital tools such as video calls, voice calls, and messaging were perceived as helpful for maintaining contact, particularly in geographically distant families. However, digital communication was largely viewed as a complement rather than a substitute for face-to-face interaction. Key barriers included cognitive fatigue, low intrinsic motivation, interface complexity, limited trust in digital systems, and a desire to maintain autonomy. Additionally, two emergent themes – (1) digital overload and (2) trust and risk perception extended the UTAUT framework by highlighting emotional and psychological dimensions of digital engagement in old age. The findings offer deeper insight into how older adults navigate ICT use in socially complex contexts and suggest recommendations for more inclusive, age-sensitive digital interventions.}},
  author       = {{Winsten, Carl and Anand, Dhiraj}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{Understanding ICT Use For Social Connectedness Among Older Adults}},
  year         = {{2025}},
}