Internet use, risks and online behaviour: The view of internet users with intellectual disabilities and their caregivers

Accessible summary Going online is important because we can learn, meet people and get information. But some actions by others or by ourselves can be harmful. We wanted to find out how people with intellectual disabilities in Spain go online and the problems they have using the Web. We asked 77 adults with intellectual disabilities and 68 caregivers to answer questions about how people with intellectual disabilities use the Web. We found that people with intellectual disabilities prefer smartphones to go online and that they listen to music, watch videos or chat with friends online. We also found out that sometimes they have problems such as receiving insults or being blocked. Abstract Background: Internet offers opportunities to people with intellectual disabilities, but it also involves some risks. The aim of this study was to explore these issues considering caregivers and people with intellectual disabilities' perspectives. Materials and Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted. The sample consisted of 77 adults with intellectual disabilities and 68 caregivers from a Spanish service provider organisation. Results: Compared to previous research, findings show an increasing use of electronic devices such as smartphones and the Internet by people with intellectual disabilities. Some online risks (e.g., being insulted, being threatened, someone using their personal information) and undesirable behaviours of this group (e.g., insulting, threatening or flirting with someone who did not want to) were also identified. Differences between the responses of people with intellectual disabilities and their caregivers were found with regard to people with intellectual disabilities' online behaviour. Conclusions: It is important to design, validate and implement strategies to promote risk management and positive risk-taking actions for people with intellectual disabilities.