Affiliation: SCOALA NATIONALA DE STUDII POLITICE SI ADMINISTRATIVE (RO)
Abstract: This project goal is to reveal particularities of using technologies later in life, by assessing the role of computer anxiety, employing an integrative methodology. Computer anxiety is defined as an individual’s fear or apprehension of working directly with a computer or the anticipation of having to work with computers (Powell, 2013). The project takes a critical approach in reaction to the current literature: 1) Older individuals are not an homogeneous group; 2) Computer anxiety has not always a linear negative effect on performance and a certain level of anxiety could be functional in the process of technology appropriation; 3) Studies should go deeper in their everyday practices, to understand more about the role, meanings and utilities attributed to different computer activities We aim to create robust models of explaining computer anxiety at elderly, using both individual and social predictors. We reveal also the value of social pressure and the meanings elderly invest in different type of technologies, by using a questionnaire based survey and semi-structured interviews. In addition, we set up a program of research that involves communities in the development of participatory action studies, advancing deep knowledge about computer anxiety and innovative methodological framework. Also, by using netnography (Kozinets, 2010), we investigate the role of online communities in increasing or decreasing computer anxiety and the social influence factors in real interactions.
