Bridging the Digital Divide - The Roles of Internet Self-Efficacy towards Learning Computer and the Internet among Elderly in Hong Kong, China

Experts in areas such as Public Policy, Communications, Business Management, and Economics have addressed the phenomenon of the digital divide since the 1990s. Based on previous validated studies, the researchers offered a new theoretical model in examining the influences of the two mediating factors - Internet self-efficacy and outcome expectations - on the elderly´s intentions in adopting a new technology (i.e. the Internet), and their perceptions of their knowledge in utilizing this technology. The elderly are categorized as one of the technologically and sociologically disadvantaged groups within the context of the digital divide. Two studies (repeated measures) were conducted and a set of conclusions was reached. In general, the findings validated the impacts and antecedents of Internet self-efficacy and outcome expectations on usage intention and perceived user competence. Limitations and implications are provided following the sections on research framework, model and hypotheses, and discussion on findings.