The Elderly And Internet Usage In Holly Springs, Mississippi

The digital divide among senior citizens 65 and older has prompted a significant number of studies, surveys, and interviews of the barriers and benefits of Internet users and non-users. This project surveyed 39 participants through focus groups, in-depth interviews, and radio shows in Holly Springs, Mississippi, a predominantly African-American retirement community 30 miles southeast of Memphis, Tennessee. This study validates the difficulties senior citizens face when learning how to access the Internet. Cognitive issues revealed that senior citizens could not understand basic computer terminology or remember verbal or written commands during training classes. This project has shothat senior citizens must be given more time to learn basic computer skills before learning the Internet. Training can overcome barriers if senior citizens are trained properly on Internet usage.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.A. in Journalism

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Year dc:date.available

2013

Author dc:creator

• White, Sharon A.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Kristen A. Swain
• Joseph B. Atkins
• Brad Schultz

• Barriers
• Benefits
• Computer Classes
• Elderly
• Internet Usage
• Senior Citizens
• Adult and Continuing Education

Repository record dc:identifier

https://egrove.olemiss.edu/etd/655

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:egrove.olemiss.edu:etd-1654