| The primary purpose of this study was to examine computer access and utilization patterns of older people. A survey questionnaire also focused on participation of older people in electronic gatherings, their attitudes toward computers and Internet, persons who taught them, family members, perception of employers' attitudes toward rehiring of retired people, impact of computers on society and their recommendations for improving the computer learning of older people. In this study, theories like activity, reference group, subculture, and Durkheim's theory of society are used to support the emerging phenomenon of the cyborg society of older people on the Internet. The population for this study was those people sixty-five years and older residing in Warrensburg, Missouri. From this population, a sample of 100 subjects was chosen.; Results suggest that most of the respondents had access to computers and used computers and the Internet profusely, especially as a means of communication to keep in touch with family and friends, and to gain access to information on various aspects of life. Children and friends encouraged the respondents to learn how to use computers. Also more than half of the respondents participated in electronic gatherings such as bulletin boards and chat-rooms and discussed current issues, politics and social issues. Seventy percent of the respondents considered the computer as a companion. Although 73% of the respondents had a feeling of anxiety, the majority of them said that they were satisfied with their computer learning. Ninety-four percent of the respondents expressed a desire to learn new technology, and some of them wish to make a career in the computer field. The new phenomenon that is emerging among older people is use of computers and formation of a cyborg society on the Internet that exhibits all the characteristics of Durkheim's third type of society. |
