The use of digital technologies among older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic: A descriptive study in Turkey

Seyma Esin Erben; Aydan Ünlükaya Çevirici; Jale Balaban-Salı

doi:10.5209/tekn.82932

Seyma Esin Erben Istanbul Gelisim University https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9984-1242
Aydan Ünlükaya Çevirici Istambul Gelisim University https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5645-6192
Jale Balaban-Salı Independent Researcher https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5392-7438

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5209/tekn.82932

Keywords: digital challenges, elderly, information technology, interviews, curfew

Data availability: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.7713096

Abstract

The objective of this descriptive qualitative research was to explore the use of information technologies and changes in its use among elderly individuals who experienced the longest curfews in Turkey during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study also aimed to better understand the challenges this age group faced while utilizing these technologies. The researchers conducted semi-structured interviews with twelve over sixty-fives from different regions of Turkey, ten of whom are retired, and two of whom are currently working. The study’s results indicated that during the pandemic, the use of ICT among this age group increased for financial transactions, connectedness, obtaining information/news, and leisure activities. However, the study also revealed that these individuals faced challenges in adopting new online activities due to concerns about personal data, especially in financial transactions, highlighting the need for support in this area.

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Author Biographies

Seyma Esin Erben, Istanbul Gelisim University

PhD in Communication Sciences with a dissertation entitled "Digital Transformation of Activism." She is an Assistant Professor in the Department of New Media & Communication at Istanbul Gelisim University, Turkey. She is also an intern researcher at the University of Malta, where she is conducting a research project on the Social Communication of Migrants in Malta with Professor Gorg Mallia. Her research interests include digital activism, veganism, ecological rights, migration, digital inequalities, and digital labour.

Aydan Ünlükaya Çevirici , Istambul Gelisim University

PhD student at the Marmara University, Institute of Social Sciences, Advertising and Publicity Program. She received a bachelor's degree from Marmara University, Faculty of Communication and a master's degree from Marmara University, Advertising and Publicity Program. She works as a Research Assistant at Istanbul Gelişim University, Department of Advertising. She carries out her studies on advertising, media studies and digital media. She is interested in critical advertising and femvertising

Jale Balaban-Salı, Independent Researcher

Currently working as an independent researcher based in the UK. Previously she was in the Communication Sciences Faculty at Anadolu University, Turkey. She received a master's degree in Instructional Communication and a PhD in Communication Sciences from Anadolu University. She has over 20 years of experience in qualitative and quantitative research methods in the communication sciences, new media technology and new media literacy. She has authored many research articles/book chapters related to Communication Sciences

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