Memahami Adopsi Teknologi Internet di Kalangan Lansia

Abstract

This research seeks to describe a deep investigation of the phenomenon of low internet penetration among older groups in Indonesia. The condition was exacerbated by the demographic phenomenon of people aging which resulted in an increasingly aging Indonesian population. These two things, cause a tendency towards marginalization of the elderly group related to the process of adoption of modern communication technology in this group that is not running smoothly. By using descriptive phenomenological research methods, this research aims to describe the experiences of the elderly who have successfully used the internet, studied and adopted the technology. For this purpose, in-depth interviews were conducted with 4 elderly informants who successfully used the internet to find out their various experiences interacting with the technology. The results of this research indicate, the experience of the elderly interacting with the internet runs in three stages namely, 1) the initial process of learning the internet, 2) the process of adopting the use of the internet, and 3) the process of realizing the benefits of the internet. These three stages are experienced by a group of elderly people who have used the internet while still in their productive age and those who have only interacted with the internet when they are elderly. The starting point for the elderly to learn the internet makes a difference in the initial experience of each informant in adopting the technology. The difference is illustrated through the polarization of the concept of formal and informal approaches, which has implications for their various views and actions on the internet when the adoption process takes place. Although diverse, adoption of the internet aspect results in actions that are relative and random in adjusting the personal needs of the elderly and the encouragement of those closest to them. The relative and personal elements that are very explicit in the findings of this research form the essence of the experience of the elderly using the subjectively oriented internet with three stages as they interact with the internet. Finally, the findings reveal implicit things about the experience of the elderly using the internet which are very subjective and add explanation both theoretically and practically to produce an environmentally inclusive internet user policy among the elderly.