Categorical and resource inequalities in self-reliant internet use

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on internet use among older adults, with many starting to use the internet independently for the first time, while others have turned to internet intermediaries such as family members, friends or acquaintances to carry out internet activities on their behalf. A survey conducted in Slovenia among older adults (65+ years) found that personal and situational inequalities such as age, gender and education, as well as social resources, in particular bridging social capital, had a significant impact on independent internet use during the pandemic.

On the other hand, bonding and bridging social capital and occupation played a key role in the availability of internet intermediaries. However, the activation of the use of the intermediary, i.e. the actual use of this help, was not influenced by either of the two forms of social capital, but mainly by marital status and area of residence. The study suggests that simple measures are not sufficient to reduce digital inequalities. The diversity of personal, social and material resources that influence internet use and access to intermediaries requires a comprehensive and targeted approach if older adults are to be able to access digital services on an equal footing even after the pandemic.

The study is part of the original scientific article "Categorical and Resource Inequalities in Independent and Mediated Internet Use among Older Adults in Slovenia during the COVID-19 Pandemic", authored by dr. Andraz Petrovcic,  dr.  Simona Hvalič-Touzery and Jerneja Laznik, members of the Centre for Social Informatics, in collaboration with dr. Anabel Quan-Haase (University of Western Ontario, Canada), dr. Bianca C. Reisdorf (The University of North Carolina, USA) and dr. Štěpán Žádník (Masaryk University, Czech Republic), published in the journal Technology in Society. 

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