Many older Australians have fears about going online. They are reluctant to engage with technology because of security concerns and a lack of skills.
Security concerns
- Vulnerability of devices to hacking: 72% internet user versus 66% non-internet user
- Details being stolen when buying online: 55% internet user versus 62% non-internet user
- The legitimacy of online stores: 55% internet user versus 54% non-internet user
- Knowing if received emails are genuine: 54% internet user versus 47% non-internet user
- Online banking not being secure: 52% internet user versus 66% non-internet user
Real online experiences
45% reported experiences with viruses, scams, or credit card and personal information theft.
- 47% of 50 to 69 year olds
- 40% of 70+ year olds
The general fears undermining confidence (for those with no or low digital literacy)
- Hackers and privacy compromised
- Performing unfamiliar tasks
- Breaking ‘something’ and incurring additional costs to fix the ‘damage’
- Burdening family for help
- The stress of contacting online support
- Losing face when asking for help
BeConnected.esafety.gov.au
Source: Research commissioned by eSafety, May to June 2017.
Respondents comprised 3,602 adults aged 50 years and over in Australia
