A Study of the Pattern of Elderly's Internet Usage, Self-efficacy, and Self-esteem

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the patterns of internet usage, selfefficacy, and self-esteem of the elderly. Method: Study participants were 139 older than 60 years of age who had used internet and could access internet anytime at home. Data were collected from March to September, 2009 by using a structured questionnaire. The data were analyzed using PASW/WIN 18.0 program. Results: The meantime of internet use was 8.74 hours per week, frequently used web-site was 'Newspaper and magazine', and subjects mainly used internet 'not to fall behind the times'. The mean score of internet use capability was 2.42, among theses the score of 'Searching necessary information' was the highest. The internet use capability of the subjects was significantly different in terms of education level, spouse, economic status, and the length of use. The mean scores of self-efficacy and self-esteem were and , respectively. Conclusions: These results suggest that the elderly people use internet not to fall behind the times but they have enough capability to use internet searching or e-mailing. Also, it is true that there are many influencing factors on internet use and capability of the elderly. Therefore, it is needed to investigate the internet use of the elderly more closely.