Online social networking and older internet users : a UK perspective

Abstract

Globally, broadband and internet availability within households has made ICT an essential part of everyday life. Consequently, this has led to novel social computing practices and collaboration tools such as Web 2.0 Online Social Networks (OSNs). However, this growth of OSNs is far less prevalent amongst older internet users. Therefore, the aim of this research-in-progress paper is to develop a conceptual framework based on leading Information Systems (IS) theories to identify and explain older individuals’ adoption and usage patterns and behavior toward OSNs. Future directions, limitations and conclusions are also provided within this paper. Contributions to academia are viewed to be a framework that allows an understanding of OSN adoption, use and diffusion patterns. As OSN use impacts all internet users, industry will benefit from a theoretically formed framework that can be used to assist online collaboration providers to include older internet users in the existing widespread OSN phenomenon.