Journal
BEHAVIOUR & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Volume 41, Issue 7, Pages 1503-1514Publisher
TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD
DOI: 10.1080/0144929X.2021.1882577
Keywords
Ageing; ageism; stereotype threat; technology acceptance model; structural equation modelling
Categories
Funding
- FCT - Fundacao para a Ciencia e a Tecnologia [PD/BD/128322/2017]
- FP7 - Seventh Framework Programme [321482]
- Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia [PD/BD/128322/2017] Funding Source: FCT
Ask authors/readers for more resources
Older adults may underuse technology due to stereotype threat, which is associated with lower levels of technology use and is mediated by anxiety, perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, and behavioral intention.
Older adults are often stereotyped as having less technological ability than younger age groups. As a result, older individuals may avoid using technology due to stereotype threat, the fear of confirming negative stereotypes about their social group. The present research examined the role of stereotype threat within the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). Across two studies, experiencing stereotype threat in the technological domain was indirectly associated with lower levels of technology use among older adults. This was found for subjective (Study 1) and objective measures (Study 2) of use behaviour, and for technology use in general (Study 1) and computer use in particular (Study 2). In line with the predictions of the Technology Acceptance Model, this relationship was mediated by anxiety, perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, and behavioural intention. Specifically, stereotype threat was negatively associated with perceived ease of use (Studies 1 and 2) and anxiety mediated this relationship (Study 2). These findings suggest that older adults underuse technology due to the threat of confirming ageist stereotypes targeting their age group. Stereotype threat may thus be an important barrier to technology acceptance and usage in late adulthood.
Authors
I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.
Reviews
Recommended
No Data Available