Author:
Rosenberg Dennis,Taipale Sakari
Abstract
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this study was to clarify how health satisfaction, socio-demographic background, and country of residence in older internet users correspond with their preference for COVID-19 information sources or for behaviors aimed at acquiring this information.
Methods
The sample (N = 4233) was drawn from the 2020 wave of the Ageing + Communication + Technologies (ACT) cross-national longitudinal research study. Multinomial and logistic regression models were employed to analyze the data.
Results
An association was found between health satisfaction and preference for interpersonal communication to obtain COVID-19 information over traditional media consumed via traditional devices. Substantial socio-demographic (gender, age, education, marital status) differences were found, particularly regarding preference for digital media. Moreover, sizable cross-country differences were detected.
Conclusions
The results point to the existence of a remarkable divide with respect to the COVID-19 information source/behavior preference even in a digitally advantaged population. Public decision makers and communities should be more involved in assisting older adults to obtain necessary and up-to-date information regarding COVID-19.
Funder
Academy of Finland’s Centre of Excellence in Research on Ageing and Care
Strategic Research Council at the Academy of Finland
University of Jyväskylä
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Subject
Computer Networks and Communications,Human-Computer Interaction,Information Systems,Software
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