Internet use as a predictor of sense of community in older people

Cyberpsychol Behav. 2009 Apr;12(2):235-9. doi: 10.1089/cpb.2008.0150.

Abstract

The Internet opens new options for communication and may change the extent to which older people use other modes of communication. The importance of older adults' participation in cyberspace has increased as Internet use for commerce and communication has increased. The present study explores how older adults' Internet use affects their sense of community. An online survey was conducted at the University of Sydney to determine the associations between Internet use and seniors' sense of community and well-being. Participants were recruited online. There was a positive association between a sense of belonging to an online community, sense of community, and well-being. Seniors' use of the Internet for communication and information, and the frequency and history of their Internet use, were consistently related to a greater sense of community.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aging / psychology*
  • Attitude to Health
  • Australia
  • Communication*
  • Data Collection
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Internet*
  • Leisure Activities
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Motivation
  • Personal Satisfaction
  • Quality of Life / psychology
  • Residence Characteristics*
  • Social Alienation
  • Social Behavior
  • Social Environment
  • Social Identification*
  • Social Support
  • Surveys and Questionnaires