The internet is distracting, confusing and untrustworthy for many older people

The huge increase in people of all ages using online services during the pandemic is well documented, but new research from the University of York’s Management School shows that despite using it more, many people still find the internet confusing. Many struggle to find what they are looking for and will often not trust the information they do find.

This is particularly the case with older people, many of whom, the study shows, are often left confused online when faced with the sheer quantity of information available, distracted by clickbait and frustrated by pop-up adverts.

While these distractions mean it often takes longer to find the information being searched for, the research also shows that many older people simply stop their search due to frustration or uncertainty. This often leads to older people not being able to access information or services online at all.

The research, led by Dr Snehasish Banerjee and Dr Ariadne Kapetanaki, monitored the online activity of 28 older people, aged 66 and above, in the UK who said they had been using the internet more due to lockdown. The team followed this activity using screen capturing as well as interviewing the participants.

“Everyone faces many of the same frustrations online,” says Dr Banerjee. “But those less familiar with the internet seem to find these challenges harder to cope with.

“Many older people having to use the internet more in their day-to-day life, as was the case during the pandemic, lack the confidence to ignore adverts popping up on their screen or find that catchy headlines divert their attention away from what it is they are looking for.

“This makes it difficult for some to find what they are looking for,” he continues. “But a bigger problem is the lack of trust many have in online information, and this needs to be addressed.”

What is also clear from this research is that younger people tend to help and guide older relatives in navigating challenges and distractions more easily and this is often because as they are more connected with other users and are more confident in finding the information they need.

Now, as part of this ongoing study funded by the British Academy, the University of York Management School is publishing an advice leaflet to help people deal with online threats and also help others, such as older people, use the internet better. The researchers will also host an interactive session at the York Festival of Ideas, taking place on June 14th, in collaboration with York Explore and 100% Digital York. Click here for more information: https://yorkfestivalofideas.com/2022/calendar/inclusive-internet/

“We want to bring the young and old together to discuss problems in using technology and offer insights into dealing with digital threats like misinformation, scams and clickbait,” says Dr Kapetanaki.

The researchers involved in this study will be on hand to discuss their findings and offer advice, while there will be hands-on activities to help people better distinguish between what is fake and what is genuine online.

“We want to help bolster people’s internet literacy and empower older people to use the internet with greater confidence, as well as showing younger people how they can support older people using the internet safely and get more out of it.

“We are hoping to involve schools at the event, too, and really get kids involved in understanding how they can help older people use the internet safely.

“We found that older people often lacked confidence or were worried about getting things wrong. This is a big problem, so we hope our study alerts people to the problems and brings all stakeholders together to help make the internet a better experience for all.”

The research has led to the development of a three-step guide to help people identify what is true or fake online, as well as other tips to help make the internet easier to navigate.

Take everything with a pinch of salt in the absence of concrete evidence. If in any doubt, avoid!

Find ways to assess the truth of information by checking it on multiple sources. See if what they say is backed up by evidence. Consider looking at authoritative and credible sources as well as fact-checking websites. A note of caution: Be open-minded and never let down your guard during this step. Otherwise, you might end up subconsciously choosing sources that support rather than oppose your predispositions.

If you are certain that something is true, share your findings with those you believe will benefit from them. And if you are sure that something is false, see if a compelling rebuttal already exists on the internet or craft your own rebuttal to debunk the rumour and then share it with those who might benefit. The sharing can be done using online and/or offline channels.

· wdavis@insightm.co.uk

· 07875 138 147 or 0117 248 2755