Use-by-proxy in later life

Increasing digitalization presents challenges for many people, especially older adults, who often have limited internet skills and engage in fewer online activities or are simply nonusers. Many therefore rely on use-by-proxy – indirect internet use through others. Drawing on the Model of Internet Engagement and on Resources and Appropriation Theory, this qualitative study examines factors that shape use-by-proxy among older internet users and nonusers. We identified six groups of factors that affect engagement in use-by-proxy: personal categories, positional categories, social resources, perceptions and motivations, internet proficiency, and social and cultural environment. Societal and personal expectations related to internet use create feelings of pressure and exclusion, which are compounded by media portrayals and stereotypes that reinforce perceptions of older adults lacking digital skills. Older adults did not constitute a homogeneous group disinterested in the internet but instead exhibited varying levels of awareness and engagement and need support tailored to their specific circumstances.