The quality of online social relationships
Communications of the ACM - How the virtual inspires the real
The Virtual Community: Homesteading on the Electronic Frontier
The Virtual Community: Homesteading on the Electronic Frontier
Designing computer systems for older adults
The human-computer interaction handbook
Computer use has no demonstrated impact on the well-being of older adults
International Journal of Human-Computer Studies
UAHCI'13 Proceedings of the 7th international conference on Universal Access in Human-Computer Interaction: user and context diversity - Volume 2
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This study examines the impact of the Internet on the online and offline social interactions and relationships of members of a senior-oriented computer club. Twenty semistructured, openended interviews were conducted in February 2005 to collect data. Grounded theory was used to guide data analysis. Major findings include the following: First, within this particular group of older American Internet users, there is little online interaction. The Internet is used primarily as a handy tool to obtain information rather than for developing online relationships. Second, weak tie relationships that develop as a result of face-to-face interactions in computer club meetings facilitate the exchange of information among members. Third, social interactions in the offline environment also provide rich opportunities for older adults to form and maintain companionship relationships. These findings reveal a previously ignored phenomenon: In addition to creating online social relationships, the Internet can also affect relationship formation in the physical world.