Teaching digital literacy skills to the elderly using a social network with linear navigation: A case study in a rural area
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Abstract Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) have considerably increased the information and communication channels, favoring the emergence of new models for social relations, such as social networks. However, for elderly users whose learning has traditionally been based on linear models of information such as textbooks, unfamiliarity with Internet can be a barrier. Moreover, elderly people living in rural communities face a lack of telecommunication infrastructures, which increases their difficulties in accessing ICTs. The aim of this study is to test a social network consisting of multiple applications with linear navigation as a digital literacy method for the elderly in rural areas. A sample of 46 participants between 60–76 years old with heterogeneous previous experience with ICTs participated in the study. They performed eight standardized sessions in an Elderly Leisure Center. Results showed differences in perceived usefulness between users with high and low ICT experience. After eight training sessions, the majority of the participants were able to independently use all the system applications, and positive results were obtained on the variables measured, i.e., learnability, sense of control over the system, ability to use the system, orientation, efficiency, accessible design, perceived ease, perceived usefulness, and intention to use. The participants with previous experience with other ICT methods preferred the linear navigation method because they thought it was easier than other ICTs. The results showed interaction differences when touch screens were used. Qualitative results showed that one of the most frequent emotions at the beginning of the ICT sessions was “fear” (related to breaking the computer or to making fools of themselves), but the continued use of the system improved the users’ perceptions of their own capacity to handle ICTs and their interest in ICTs in general. The main contribution of this work consists of exploring the usefulness of linear navigation and social network systems in the context of digital literacy for elderly users in rural areas.
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Elderly users show better performance on systems with linear navigation.
“elderly users show better performance on systems with linear navigation [32,46,47].”
From Designing ICTs for Users with Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Usability Study (2020) · cites this paper as [32]
The results showed differences between the present study and previous research with the same web design but a different population (people without cognitive impairment).
“The results showed differences between the present study and the findings obtained from previous research with the same web design but a different population (i.e., people without cognitive impairment) [32,46].”
From Designing ICTs for Users with Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Usability Study (2020) · cites this paper as [32]
All items in the post-test questionnaire were obtained from a previous usability study with elderly users.
“All the items were obtained from a previous usability study with elderly users (see [32]).”
From Designing ICTs for Users with Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Usability Study (2020) · cites this paper as [32]
The ehcoBUTLER system was developed following the guidelines of a software that has proven its usability with elderly users using linear navigation.
“The system has been developed following the guidelines of a software that has proven its usability with elderly users using linear navigation [32,46,59].”
From Designing ICTs for Users with Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Usability Study (2020) · cites this paper as [32]
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BackgroundInfluentialToward global digital literate citizens: A case of Thailand 's aging generation
Jantavongso, S. (2021) · The Electronic Journal of Information Systems in Developing Countries · doi:10.1002/isd2.12207 · Cited by 16 · see citing works
Yang, Z.-Y. (2022) · PLoS ONE · doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0262697 · Cited by 15 · see citing works
RetractedOld-Age Digital Exclusion as a Policy Challenge in Estonia and Finland
Leppiman, A., Riivits-Arkonsuo, I., & Pohjola, A. (2021) · International perspectives on aging · doi:10.1007/978-3-030-51406-8_32 · Cited by 14 · see citing works
Untangling factors influencing social networking sites use among older adults: a literature review
Chew, T. H., Chin, C. P.-Y., & Leau, Y. (2022) · Universal Access in the Information Society · doi:10.1007/s10209-022-00874-y · Cited by 14 · see citing works
“[11], this may be the main factor in the use of SNSs among elderly people [39].”
BackgroundEvaluation of wheelchair accessibility in train stations using a spatial network
Arai, Y., Kusakabe, T., Yukari, N. I. W. A., & Honma, K. (2022) · Asian Transport Studies · doi:10.1016/j.eastsj.2022.100067 · Cited by 13 · see citing works
Kaur, H., Prasetya, V. G. H., Sani, T. P., Theresia, I., Tumbelaka, P., Turana, Y., Schneider, J. M., & Orrell, M. W. (2021) · Dementia · doi:10.1177/14713012211018003 · Cited by 13 · see citing works
“Participants of the focus groups were invited to complete the usability and acceptability questionnaire for older people (translated from Spanish) in order to gain more standardised feedback regarding the iCST application in particular (Castilla et al., 2018).”
MethodKaur, H., Schneider, J. M., & Orrell, M. W. (2020) · JMIR Research Protocols · doi:10.2196/24628 · Cited by 13 · see citing works
“• Usability and acceptability of the individual cognitive stimulation therapy app measured at the second follow-up and in the experimental group only by using the Questionnaire of Usability and Acceptability [32].”
Jo, H. S., & Hwang, Y. S. (2021) · Gerontechnology · doi:10.4017/gt.2021.20.2.411.01 · Cited by 12 · see citing works
Wale, A., Everitt, J. D., Ayres, T., Okolie, C., Morgan, H., Shaw, H., Cooper, A., Edwards, A., & Lewis, R. A. (2025) · JMIR Aging · doi:10.2196/70377 · Cited by 12 · see citing works
“This included some subpopulations such as those living in rural areas [40,47], being at risk of social isolation [28,29], or being homebound [42].”
InfluentialDampak Digitalisasi Administrasi Perdesaan di Negara Berkembang
Sarjito, A. (2023) · JURNAL ILMIAH ILMU ADMINISTRASI · doi:10.33592/jiia.v13i2.3814 · Cited by 11 · see citing works
Xuan, D., Zhu, D., & Wen-hai, X. (2021) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2021.711520 · Cited by 15 · see citing works
Seaton, C. L., Rush, K. L., Li, E. P. H., Hasan, K., & Fawcus, L. (2023) · JMIR Aging · doi:10.2196/50345 · Cited by 10 · see citing works
“Research indicates that repetition and opportunities to practice along with ongoing support are needed to build confidence [18,20,44].”
BackgroundResultInfluentialLowenstein-Barkai, H., Steinfeld, N., & Rosenberg, H. (2024) · Journal of Creative Communications · doi:10.1177/09732586241276984 · Cited by 10 · see citing works
“This could very well be a manifestation of digital inequality and a novel technological literacy challenge (Castilla et al., 2018).”
Nahas, C., Gandit, M., & Monfort, E. (2025) · Frontiers in Aging · doi:10.3389/fragi.2025.1297704 · Cited by 10 · see citing works
Özkaya, M. N., & Baykal, G. E. (2025) · CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems · doi:10.1145/3706598.3714247 · Cited by 15 · see citing works
Analysis of Elderly Use of Digital Technology in Thailand
Chanyawudhiwan, G., & Mingsiritham, K. (2022) · International Journal of Interactive Mobile Technologies (iJIM) · doi:10.3991/ijim.v16i07.28755 · Cited by 10 · see citing works
Ao, S. H., Zhang, L., Liu, P. L., & Zhao, X. (2023) · BMC Psychology · doi:10.1186/s40359-023-01415-9 · Cited by 9 · see citing works
“Middle-aged or elderly caregivers may not be comfortable using social media to participate in health activities [70, 71].”
BackgroundLee, S.-Y., Yoo, S.-K., Son, Y., Kim, S. M., & Han, D. H. (2022) · Psychiatry Investigation · doi:10.30773/pi.2021.0260 · Cited by 10 · see citing works
“Known Unknowns”: Reducing Digital Inequalities in the Silver Economy
José, M. L. D., Ferreira, F. A. F., Zopounidis, C., Doumpos, M., & Ferreira, N. C. M. Q. F. (2023) · IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management · doi:10.1109/tem.2023.3274677 · Cited by 9 · see citing works
Wray, C. M., Ferguson, J. M., Greene, L., Griffin, A. C., Campen, J. V., O’Shea, A. M. J., Slightam, C. A., & Zulman, D. M. (2023) · Journal of General Internal Medicine · doi:10.1007/s11606-023-08468-x · Cited by 8 · see citing works
“These include deploying community health workers or digital trainers to digitally vulnerable patients or populations 23 , using social networks to improve digital literacy, 22 and providing digital training during hospitalization or other moments when patients are a “captured audience.””
BackgroundMaleki, A. (2024) · International Journal of Lifelong Education · doi:10.1080/02601370.2024.2438127 · Cited by 8 · see citing works
“…have explored different variables related to this transition of classroom-based assessments to virtual assessments, such as the lack of direct contact with teachers, limited digital literacy, and the absence of effective interaction and feedback mechanisms (Castilla et al., 2018; Lee & Jeon, 2024).”
Gasch, C., Javanmardi, A., Khan, A., García‐Palacios, A., & Pagani, A. (2025) · Applied Sciences · doi:10.3390/app15063290 · Cited by 8 · see citing works
Virtual education in the rural sector: analysis of scientific literature
Valencia-Arías, A., Velásquez, L. M. M., Agudelo-Ceballos, E., Vásquez, J. T. C., García, J. A. J., & Rojas, E. M. (2025) · Frontiers in Education · doi:10.3389/feduc.2025.1567733 · Cited by 8 · see citing works
Zhang, C., Hou, J., & Zhang, H. (2025) · Frontiers in Public Health · doi:10.3389/fpubh.2025.1577231 · Cited by 9 · see citing works
Susilawati, S., Azizah, N. A. N., & Kusuma, H. H. (2021) · Jurnal Ilmiah Pendidikan Fisika Al-Biruni · doi:10.24042/jipfalbiruni.v10i2.10008 · Cited by 8 · see citing works
“The results of the study stated that the ability to design practicums can be carried out in virtual laboratories and live activities related to the digital literacy (Castilla et al., 2018; Lazonder et al., 2020).”
BackgroundLiu, C.-C., & Wang, Y. (2023) · Journal of Intelligence · doi:10.3390/jintelligence11030046 · Cited by 8 · see citing works
Rodríguez, M. L., Rodríguez‐Fórtiz, M. J., Hornos, M. J., Samos, J., Rodríguez-Domínguez, C., & Rute-Pérez, S. (2020) · Behaviour and Information Technology · doi:10.1080/0144929x.2020.1750702 · Cited by 8 · see citing works
A Usability Evaluation of Diabetes Mobile Applications
Hsieh, M.-H., Chen, Y.-C., & Ho, C.-H. (2019) · Lecture notes in computer science · doi:10.1007/978-3-030-22636-7_1 · Cited by 8 · see citing works
Chang, Z., Ahmed, N., Li, R., & Huai, J. (2025) · Agriculture · doi:10.3390/agriculture15131399 · Cited by 6 · see citing works
Shang, D., Williams, C., Joshi, A., & Baynard, C. W. (2025) · International Journal of Medical Informatics · doi:10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2025.106054 · Cited by 6 · see citing works
Lian, J., Li, X., Zhao, M., Zhao, Y. C., & Zhu, Q. (2023) · Lecture notes in computer science · doi:10.1007/978-3-031-48041-6_7 · Cited by 6 · see citing works
Heredia-R, M., Falconí, V., H-Silva, J., Amores, K., Endara, C. A., & F-Ausay, K. (2020) · Advances in intelligent systems and computing · doi:10.1007/978-3-030-60467-7_38 · Cited by 2 · see citing works
Yoon, J., Lee, M., & Cho, J. (2024) · Public Health Weekly Report · doi:10.56786/phwr.2024.17.48.2 · Cited by 5 · see citing works
Barbareschi, G., Sato, C., Şenyer, S., Junpeng, M. P., Zhao, J., Chen, D. D., Ellis, K., & Kunze, K. S. (2025) · CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems · doi:10.1145/3706598.3714234 · Cited by 5 · see citing works
“…divides and foster greater affinity throughout ageing demographics [83, 91], exploring new avenues for interaction with AI [22, 109], delivering Information and Communication Technology (ICT) training courses [20, 86], and creating dedicated applications for conversational agents [80, 126].”
Fostering active aging in older adults: results of a communication and social skills program
Khajehpour, M. H., Mahani, S. A., Mohammad-Rezakhani, H., & Farokhzadian, J. (2025) · BMC Geriatrics · doi:10.1186/s12877-025-06333-6 · Cited by 5 · see citing works
The Sickening Truth of the Digital Divide
Stephens, M., & Mankee‐Williams, A. (2021) · Journal of Social Inclusion · doi:10.36251/josi227 · Cited by 5 · see citing works
Chen, X., Chen, Z., Lin, L., Yan, H., Huang, Z., & Huang, Z. G. (2023) · IEEE Access · doi:10.1109/access.2023.3321831 · Cited by 8 · see citing works
Rivinen, S., Rasi, P., Vuojärvi, H., & Purtilo-Nieminen, S. (2022) · Seminar net · doi:10.7577/seminar.4075 · Cited by 5 · see citing works
“…three dimensions of media literacy (use, understand, create) and make use of various kinds of pedagogical approaches, such as peer-to-peer teaching (Castilla et al., 2018); intergenerational approaches (Gall, 2014; Tambaum, 2017); the use of compassionate and experienced teachers (Vacek &…”
BackgroundOh, J. (2023) · The Gerontologist · doi:10.1093/geront/gnad092 · Cited by 17 · see citing works
Digital mentoring in Australian communities: a report prepared for Australia Post
Dezuanni, M., Marshall, A., Cross, A., Burgess, J., & Mitchell, P. R. (2019) · QUT ePrints (Queensland University of Technology) · Cited by 5 · see citing works
Continuance intention of cultural museum virtual human based on PLS-SEM analysis of MRT and UGT
Sun, X., Wang, F., & Jin, W. (2026) · npj Heritage Science · doi:10.1038/s40494-026-02407-9 · Cited by 4 · see citing works
da Silva, C. V., Oliveira, A. L., Petrella, S., Dias, P. C., & Branco, F. (2025) · European Social Work Research · doi:10.1332/27551768y2025d000000038 · Cited by 4 · see citing works
Situated cognition: understanding the acquisition dependence of digital literacy
Yang, F., ZHANG, H., Hu, Q., & Ren, Y. (2025) · Journal of Documentation · doi:10.1108/jd-04-2025-0093 · Cited by 4 · see citing works
The Contribution of Social Networks to the Technological Experience of Elderly Users
Ramos, C. M. Q., & Rodrigues, J. M. F. (2019) · Lecture notes in computer science · doi:10.1007/978-3-030-23563-5_43 · Cited by 4 · see citing works
The Role of ICT Tools through a Community Program Co-creation in a Japanese Aging Community
Zhao, J., Chen, D. D., Barbareschi, G., & Sato, C. (2025) · CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems · doi:10.1145/3706598.3714158 · Cited by 3 · see citing works
“While there is substantial research focusing on increasing the digital skills of older adults [6, 49, 54], there is less emphasis in unpacking the complexities of the ways in which they already utilize ICT tools in association with many of their personal interests and activities within their own…”
Pizzul, D., & Caliandro, A. (2025) · International Journal of Lifelong Education · doi:10.1080/02601370.2025.2584047 · Cited by 3 · see citing works
An Evaluation of the New Zealand SilverTech Smartphone Course for Older Adults
Jaye, C., McLean, R., Lin, J., Beardsmore, K., & George, D. (2024) · Journal of Applied Gerontology · doi:10.1177/07334648241306941 · Cited by 3 · see citing works
Anand, P., & Pandey, A. (2025) · SAGE Open · doi:10.1177/21582440251343381 · Cited by 3 · see citing works
“The factors affecting digital adoption may vary in different socioeconomic contexts at a community, district and micro-regional level (Castilla et al., 2018; Peng & Yu, 2022; Satpati & Sharma, 2022).”
An, S., Lim, Y., & Chung, S. (2022) · Research in Community and Public Health Nursing · doi:10.12799/jkachn.2022.33.1.53 · Cited by 3 · see citing works
Pott, K., Simmen, Y., Kalunder, M., & Agotai, D. (2023) · ACM Conference on Computer Supported Cooperative Work (CSCW) · doi:10.1145/3584931.3607490 · Cited by 3 · see citing works
“The learnability of the system can be further enhanced by the use of a digital agent that provides instructions during usage in order to reduce stress and anxiety associated with ICT [4].”
BackgroundFuchs, K., & Aguilos, V. (2023) · International Journal of Information and Education Technology · doi:10.18178/ijiet.2023.13.3.1829 · Cited by 2 · see citing works
“It is said that the successful integration of social media into the learning process depends on the course instructors‟ ability and, therefore, influences the effectiveness of the use of social media in “formal education” [8].”
BackgroundWho Helps the Helpers?: Complications and Considerations for ICT Instructors Teaching Older Adults
Song, J., Lee, B., Seo, J., & Choe, E. K. (2025) · CHI Conference Extended Abstracts on Human Factors in Computing Systems (CHI EA) · doi:10.1145/3706599.3720257 · Cited by 2 · see citing works
Multidimensional digital vulnerability among older adults
Sakariassen, H. (2025) · Nordicom Review · doi:10.2478/nor-2025-0012 · Cited by 3 · see citing works
Defining digital mentoring to advance adult digital inclusion
Marshall, A., Dezuanni, M., & Hourigan, A. (2025) · Community Development Journal · doi:10.1093/cdj/bsaf021 · Cited by 2 · see citing works
Sun, H., Jing, P., Fu, X., & Xu, J. (2025) · Cities · doi:10.1016/j.cities.2025.106536 · Cited by 2 · see citing works
Cao, Y., Yang, X., Luo, S., & Wong, K.-H. (2026) · Scientific Reports · doi:10.1038/s41598-026-37657-x · Cited by 2 · see citing works
Using Abstract Icon Systems in the Digital Divide Era: Are Users Icon Blind?
Capobianco, A., Chibout, K., Kontiebo, P., & Cazier, D. (2021) · Communications in computer and information science · doi:10.1007/978-3-030-78635-9_15 · Cited by 2 · see citing works
Analisis Bibliometrik Tren Penelitian Literasi Pada Lansia dengan Menggunakan VOSviewer
Azzahrawaani, Z., Johan, R. C., & Ardiansah (2023) · BACA JURNAL DOKUMENTASI DAN INFORMASI · doi:10.55981/baca.2023.1679 · Cited by 2 · see citing works
“…et al ., 2016) Health Literacy And Fear Of Cancer Progression In Elderly Women Newly Diagnosed With Breast Cancer-A Longitudinal Analysis 58 (Castilla et al ., 2018) Teaching Digital Literacy Skills To The Elderly Using A Social Network With Linear Navigation: A Case Study In A Rural Area…”
MethodBildung im digitalen Wandel. Die Bedeutung digitaler Medien für soziales Lernen und Teilhabe
:null (2023) · Waxmann Verlag GmbH eBooks · doi:10.31244/9783830998464 · Cited by 3 · see citing works
Leber, J., Heinemann, A., Sander, P., Ahmad, C., Meneghinello, L., & Peters, L. (2023) · Waxmann Verlag GmbH eBooks · doi:10.31244/9783830998464.03 · Cited by 2 · see citing works
Avatar quality: A study on presence and user preference
Gasch, C., Javanmardi, A., García‐Palacios, A., & Pagani, A. (2024) · IEEE International Conference on Artificial Intelligence and eXtended and Virtual Reality (AIxVR) · doi:10.1109/aixvr59861.2024.00022 · Cited by 2 · see citing works
“This graphics card enables the execution of the software with minimal delay in the user’s image and movements.”
MethodUnderstanding smart village concepts: digital literacy and mobile technology
Dirgatama, C. H. A., Permansah, S., & Rusmana, D. (2024) · Journal of Education and Learning (EduLearn) · doi:10.11591/edulearn.v18i3.21293 · Cited by 2 · see citing works
“Digital literacy opportunities vary between classes based on average performance.”
Lifelong Learning and Healthy Ageing: A Global and Singaporean Perspective
Harding, S. C., Thang, L. L., & Subramaniam, A. (2024) · Topics in Geriatric Care. · doi:10.1007/978-981-96-0462-3_5 · Cited by 2 · see citing works
Nezhad, A. S., droudi, F., & rahjoo, F. (2021) · پژوهشنامه پردازش و مدیریت اطلاعات · doi:10.52547/jipm.37.2.641 · Cited by 2 · see citing works
Viisauden piirteiden ilmentymät ikääntyneiden tietotyöläisten mediasuhteissa
Cornér, T. (2020) · Gerontologia · doi:10.23989/gerontologia.87315 · Cited by 2 · see citing works
Kapadia, S. J., Gao, Y., & Cumming, E. (2021) · Health Promotion Perspectives · doi:10.34172/hpp.2021.30 · Cited by 3 · see citing works
Polinska, V. (2022) · LU Akadēmiskais apgāds eBooks · doi:10.22364/vv.r.22 · Cited by 2 · see citing works
- Authors
- Castilla, D., Botella, C., Miralles, I., Bretón-López, J., Dragomir-Davis, A. M., Zaragoza, I., & Garcia-Palacios, A.
- Affiliations
- Universitat Jaume I (ES)
- University of Houston (US)
- Corresponding author
- Castilla, Diana
- Venue
- International Journal of Human-Computer Studies
- Publisher
- Elsevier BV
- Published
- 2018-10
- Volume
- 118
- Pages
- 24-37
- ISSN
- 1071-5819 (ISSN-L)
- OpenAlex
- W2805664907
- Semantic Scholar
- 20ad719ffb2238c4a728c16b4f56a565ad804917
- Cited by
- 159
- References
- 60
- Citations by year
- 2026: 11 · 2025: 31 · 2024: 14 · 2023: 26 · 2022: 35 · 2021: 21 · 2020: 12 · 2019: 9
- FWCI
- 21.75
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- green
- hdl.handle.net
- Licence
- Locations
- International Journal of Human-Computer Studies (publishedVersion)
- LA Referencia (Red Federada de Repositorios Institucionales de Publicaciones Científicas) (publishedVersion, other-oa)
- Repositori UJI (Universitat Jaume I) (submittedVersion, public-domain)
- Repository of Digital Objects for Teaching Research and Culture (University of Valencia) (submittedVersion, cc-by-nc)
- Funders
- Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (PI13/00982)
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Demography › Technology Use by Older Adults
- Physical Sciences › Computer Science › Information Systems › ICT in Developing Communities
- Physical Sciences › Computer Science › Information Systems › Digital literacy in education
- Keywords
- digital literacy, older adults, rural elderly, social networks, ICT training, perceived usefulness, perceived ease, intention to use, accessible design, touch screen, technology anxiety
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