Digital Violence Against Older People: A Qualitative Inquiry

One of the few positive outcomes of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has had a global negative impact physically, socially, psychologically, and economically, has been the improvement in digital skills among individuals over the age of 65. During the pandemic, internet use among people over 65 in Turkey increased significantly. However, the physical, cognitive, and psychosocial characteristics of elderly individuals in this age group elevate their risk of experiencing digital violence. While the negative effects of other forms of violence (physical, psychological, sexual, economic) on the physical and mental health of people over 65 have been well-documented, research on the physical and mental impacts of digital violence on this population is very limited. This gap in the literature is partly due to the ambiguous definition of digital violence and its weak association with older people. Addressing this gap, the present study was designed as a qualitative research project, involving eight semi-structured interviews with older Turkish individuals (65+) who had experienced digital violence. The ecological approach guided the thematic analysis, which examined the personal, interpersonal, and environmental factors associated with digital violence experienced by older adults. Limited digital literacy, cognitive decline emerged as the main personal factors whereas lack of strong social support networks came forward as a significant factor at the inter-personal level. Policy gaps, inadequate legal protection, and pervasive ageism that target older people as the “ideal victims” of digital violence were among the environmental factors. The findings indicate that factors at all three levels play a significant role, and that policies to combat digital violence against older individuals should include interventions at the micro, meso, and macro levels.