Psychological profiles of older adult Web 2.0 tool users

A study was conducted to explore the relationships between the Web 2.0 tool use and various psychosocial, emotional and active ageing factors. To this end, we designed and administered an online questionnaire to 454 Spanish people aged 55 or older. We performed descriptive and multivariate analyses using the general linear model. We obtained three types of evidence. The results show differential patterns of Web 2.0 tool use in relation to age, sex and educational level. Users reported benefits in relation to autonomy, motivation, social dimension, social participation, mood, self-esteem, and physical and mental health generally, and differences were observed according to age, educational level and type of tool. We also obtained differential psychological profiles for users of different tools that could determine usage patterns and derived benefits. This study has important implications as regards promoting the full integration of older adults in the knowledge society.