Adoption of smartphones among older adults and the role of perceived threat of cyberattacks

Abstract Adoption of smartphones by older adults (i.e., 65+ years old) is not fully understood, especially in relation to cybersecurity and cyberthreats. In this study, we focus on the perceived threat of cyberattacks (PT) as a potential barrier to smartphone adoption and use among older adults. The study also investigates the differences between users and non-users of smartphones, and the differences between older adults who are aware of smartphones and those who are not. We conducted a quantitative cross-sectional survey of older adults in Slovenia (N=535). The results of covariance-based structural equation modeling indicate consistent support for the associations of intention to use (ItU) with perceived usefulness (PU), subjective norm (SN) and attitude toward use (AtU), the association between ease of use (EoU) and PU, the association between hedonic motivation (HM) and AtU, and the association between smartphone technology anxiety (STA) and fear of use (FoU). Even though the negative association between PT and ItU was significant in the full sample, the non-user and the not aware subsamples, its role in adoption of smartphones among older adults remains puzzling. We uncovered significant positive associations between PT and AtU (except in the not aware subsample), and PT and PU which we could not fully explain. The results of our study provide some insights on how campaigns promoting smartphone adoption among older adults should focus on reducing STA, improving confidence in cybersecurity awareness, and emphasizing the PU of smartphones through practical, user-friendly training programs tailored to the needs of this population.