The relationship between self-efficacy of senior adults and their use of the Internet

This mixed method research design explored the relationship between the self-efficacy of senior adults and their use of the Internet. Two quantitative research questions guided this study: (a) Is there a relationship between the self-efficacy of senior adults and their level of use of the Internet? and (b) Do the demographics (gender, age, and race/ethnicity) moderate the relationship between the self-efficacy of senior adults and their level of use of the Internet? Two qualitative research questions guided this study: (a) Is there a difference in views of senior adults in regard to their use of other technologies? and (b) Is there a difference in views of senior adults in regard to barriers and benefits of the Internet?;A study with 100 participants revealed: (a) a majority of senior citizens have average to high levels of self-efficacy; (b) no relationship existed between self-efficacy and level of Internet use for senior adults; and (c) the demographics (gender age and race/ethnicities) do not moderate the relationship between self-efficacy of senior adults and their level of use of the Internet.;Six in-home interviews revealed a prevalence of technologies in the home: Home computer (five out of six participants); TV, VCR, DVD Player, Radio, and CD Player, cassettes tapes, video tapes, DVDs, and CDs (all six participants), all of which enjoyed using the devices. Four out of six had a stereo and no participant had an IPOD, MP3 Player, TIVO or Satellite TV. The barriers identified related to technology were fear, lack of interest, health issues, and frustration with the Internet. Some of the benefits discovered were that all the Internet users interviewed (a) had knowledge of the Internet; (b) had access to the Internet; (c) are interested in using the Internet; and (d) use the Internet to escape boredom in retirement, view favorite websites and to keep the mind active.