Digital Inclusion in the Context of the Democratization of Technology: The Elderly People Example in Turkey during the Pandemic


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Yılmaz Altuntaş E.

21st Annual International Conference on Communication and Mass Media, Athens, Greece, 8 - 11 May 2023, pp.1-19

  • Publication Type: Conference Paper / Full Text
  • City: Athens
  • Country: Greece
  • Page Numbers: pp.1-19
  • Galatasaray University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Digital inclusion includes activities necessary to ensure fair access and use of information and communication technologies for participation in social and economic life. Three basic requirements are required for this; computer, internet access and, the ability to use internet tools. The main aim of government-based digital inclusion programs should be to increase the education of individuals and the level of “computer literacy” of society. During the COVID-19 pandemic especially individuals over the age of 65 have been forced to lead a restrictive life in Turkey. With the lack of socialization, elderly people have developed a much faster connection with digital technologies. However, with aging, a slowdown is observed in the information processing speed. They need to make more cognitive efforts to learn new information which created the concept of digital inequality based on age. The aim of this study is to determine the digital behavior levels of elderly people having different socio-economic levels in Turkey, based on the uses and gratifications theory. As a qualitative method, the reports published by TÜİK (Turkish Statistical Institute) and TİHEK (Human Rights and Equality Institution of Turkey) will be evaluated with a descriptive content analysis according to the uses and gratifications theory