Digital Literacy and Smartphone Consumption Patterns in the Elderly Group of Indonesia and Pakistan

Abstract

This study explores the evolving use of smartphones by the elderly in Indonesia and Pakistan, focusing on their engagement with digital technology in everyday life. The elderly are often perceived as incompatible with digital technologies, due to beliefs that these technologies are complex and not user-friendly. As a result, many older adults have been reluctant to learn and engage with digital media or access the internet. Using a qualitative approach, this research employs in-depth interviews to gather insights into the digital habits of elderly users. The Mobile Device Proficiency Questionnaire was utilized to assess digital skills and the digital culture index among participants. Findings reveal a significant shift in the way elderly individuals interact with smartphones, with many transitioning from passive to active users of digital media. They face several barriers, including a fear of making mistakes, which often leads to anxiety when encountering technical issues. Elderly users are increasingly faced with ethical dilemmas in digital spaces. Caution prevails in their use of social media, especially in relation to sharing personal information or commenting on public posts. This research underscores the need for addressing these barriers and fostering a supportive digital environment for the elderly in both Indonesia and Pakistan.