DIGITAL ENGAGAGEMENT, SOCIAL CONNECTEDNESS, AND ONLINE VULNERABLITIES AMONG OLDER ADULTS IN KERALA: A MEDIA USE STUDY IN THE AGE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELIGENCE

Sandra Prakash A; Renjith R

doi:10.29121/ShodhVichar.v2.i1.2026.90

Authors

Sandra Prakash A M.A. Journalism and Mass Communication, Department of Visual Media and Communication, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi Campus, Kerala, India Author
Dr. Renjith R Assistant Professor, Department of Visual Media and Communication, School of Arts, Humanities and Commerce, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi Campus, Kerala, India Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29121/ShodhVichar.v2.i1.2026.90

Keywords:

Older Adults, Digital Engagement, Social Connectedness, Online Vulnerability, Artificial Intelligence, Media Use, Kerala, Digital Literacy

Abstract

The constant and increasing intrusion of digital communication technologies and artificial intelligence in the lives of older adults has made a paradigm shift in their communication patterns. Older adults that are labelled as 'digitally excluded' earlier are now avid consumers and users of various digital devices and applications like smart phones, social networking sites, digital payment modes and AI-powered applications that facilitate social connectivity, information access and daily life tasks. In a state like Kerala where digital literacy rates and consciousness is quite high, the older adults are fast emerging as active consumers in the digital communication sphere. At the same time, their involvement in the digital world has also opened up a gamut of vulnerabilities like misinformation, cyber fraud, lack of privacy, emotional addiction, lack of confidence and knowledge about technology.

This research is a study to investigate the relationship between digital engagement and social connectivity, and the online vulnerability of older adults in Kerala in the era of AI-powered communication systems. The study is quantitative research design where structured questionnaires were distributed among elderly individuals aged 55 and above in different districts of Kerala with reference to the use of digital media, communication channels preferred and awareness about artificial intelligence technologies, emotional connectedness and online vulnerability among elderly people.

The results indicate that smartphones, WhatsApp, YouTube and other social media platforms are used significantly by the older adults for communication and virtual social interaction, and it strengthens their emotional ties and alleviates the loneliness of those living apart from their kith and kin. On the other hand, the elderly feel concerned about fake news, online fraud, privacy concerns and AI generated false information because of their low digital literacy, awareness and knowledge about online security practices.

The conclusion drawn emphasizes on digital literacy, cyber safety education and the design of inclusive technology that make their experience in the digital space safer and more meaningful. It adds to the existing research on ageing, media, digital communication and artificial intelligence in the present-day context.

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