Social capital and Internet use in an age-comparative perspective with a focus on later life

PloS One
Barbara Barbosa NevesAdriano Pasqualotti

Abstract

Older adults (aged 65+) are still less likely to adopt the Internet when compared to other age groups, although their usage is increasing. To explore the societal effects of Internet usage, scholars have been using social capital as an analytical tool. Social capital pertains to the resources that are potentially available in one's social ties. As the Internet becomes a prominent source of information, communication, and participation in industrialized countries, it is critical to study how it affects social resources from an age-comparative perspective. Research has found a positive association between Internet use and social capital, though limited attention has been paid to older adults. Studies have also found a positive association between social capital and wellbeing, health, sociability, and social support amongst older adults. However, little is known about how Internet usage or lack thereof relates to their social capital. To address this gap, we used a mixed-methods approach to examine the relationship between Internet usage and social capital and whether and how it differs by age. For this, we surveyed a representative sample of 417 adults (18+) living in Lisbon, Portugal, of which 118 are older adults. Social capita...Continue Reading

References

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Citations

Apr 6, 2019·Innovation in Aging·Rosemary BliesznerRebecca G Adams
Jun 26, 2021·Zeitschrift für Gerontologie und Geriatrie·Cora PauliSabina Misoch

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Software Mentioned

SPSS Statistics
Messenger
Microsoft Messenger
Skype

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