Nineteenth International Conference on Technology, Knowledge, and Society

Abstract

The digital divide has long been a global phenomenon. Efforts to reduce the digital divide are considered important since digital competence not only brings physical resources but also brings positive impacts on psychological well-being. However, older adults often remain digitally excluded in many societies. To further understand the impacts of digital competence on psychological well-being, the author examines the link between older adults’ digital competence and self-efficacy. For this aim, survey data were collected among individuals ages 65 and older (N = 185) living in the United States from February to August 2022. A multiple linear regression analysis was conducted for the survey data. The outcome variable was self-efficacy measured by the General Self-Efficacy Scale, and the explanatory variable was digital competence consisted of nine items asking how good the participants would be on the internet at searching news, shopping, sending emails, making video calls, etc. Covariates included age, gender, race, education, self-reported mobility, and perceived social isolation. As a result, significantly lower self-efficacy among Black or African Americans (β=-.15, p<.05) and higher self-efficacy among Asians (β=.17, p<.01) were found. Education (β=.15, p<.05), self-reported mobility (β =.18, p<.05), and digital competence (β=.16, p<.05) were positively associated with self-efficacy whereas perceived social isolation (β=-.30, p<.001) was negatively associated with self-efficacy. Digitally competent older adults show significantly high self-efficacy when other covariates are considered. Although physical and social isolation might negatively impact on older adults’ self-efficacy, digital competence can help them maintain self-efficacy even in times of isolation.