Gray digital towards digital media usage behavior of older adults

As an increasing number of older adults utilize digital media, the digital access gap between the elderly and the younger generation is gradually narrowing. However, owing to individual differences, a significant disparity exists in digital media usage behavior within the elderly population. This study focused specifically on the so-called “gray digital divide” ，a usage divide among older adults aged 60+ years. Based on a representative survey in China (N = 394), it was found that nearly 61.42% of older adults perceive themselves as having a moderate level of digital media usage behavior. Through analysis of variance, it was showed that older adults with varying levels of education and financial status exhibited significant differences in their levels of digital media usage behavior. And gender differences did not lead to disparities in the levels of digital media usage behavior. To further analyze the factors influencing the digital media usage behavior of older adults, a multilevel hierarchical regression analysis revealed that education was a key determinant. the level of education and financial status positively influenced digital media usage behavior among older adults. Regarding attitudes and behaviors towards media, the digital media usage attitude did not directly affect their usage behavior. However, there was a significant positive relationship between digital media usage capability and usage behavior; the higher the media capability, the higher the level of digital media usage behavior.