A Study on the Current Status and Improvement of the Digital Divide among Older People in Korea

Abstract

In today’s knowledge- and information-based society, information literacy and information utilization skills are indicators of one’s competitiveness, and play a very important role in various fields (e.g., in one’s career, hobbies, as well as in daily life). In particular, information literacy and information utilization skills in older people are becoming essential for them to lead affluent lives. Moreover, information and communication technology is essential form of technology that can allow the elderly to ask for help in cases of emergency, as well as in daily life. Meanwhile, according to a recent Korean national statistical index, the digital divide among older people is more serious than that of the general public. The purpose of this paper is to statistically show that the digital divide among older people is more serious than other information-weak groups, as well as the general public. In addition, the purpose of this study is to identify the priorities that affect the digital divide among the three elements of the digital divide (digital access, digital capacity, and digital utilization) for older people. Based on that, we propose a variety of ways to solve the digital divide for older people. This study is expected to be widely used in future research and policies as a basis for solving the digital divide among older people.