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Internet-of-Things Skills Among the General Population: Task-Based Performance Test Using Activity Trackers
Pia S de Boer1, Alexander J A M van Deursen1, Thomas J L van Rompay1
1Department of Communication Science, University of Twente, Enschede, Netherlands.
JMIR Human Factors
|November 18, 2020
Summary
Health internet-of-things (IoT) skills are underdeveloped in the Dutch population, particularly among older and lower-educated individuals. These groups, who could benefit most from health IoT, face significant challenges in utilizing the technology effectively.
Area of Science:
- Digital Health
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Health Informatics
Background:
- The health internet-of-things (IoT) offers potential for health insights and lifestyle support.
- Acquiring IoT skills is crucial to leverage these benefits, but disparities may create a digital divide.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess health IoT skills (data and strategic) in the general Dutch population.
- To investigate the influence of gender, age, education, and traditional internet skills on health IoT proficiency.
Main Methods:
- A 2-week study with 100 participants, assessed through questionnaires and task-based performance tests.
- Measured operational, mobile, information, data, and strategic IoT skills using activity trackers.
- Employed a selective quota sample based on gender, age, and education.
Main Results:
- Participants completed only 54% of data IoT tasks and 43-56% of strategic IoT tasks.
- No participant fully completed all data or strategic IoT skill tasks.
- Age and education significantly impacted IoT skill levels, with information internet skills correlating with data IoT skills.
Conclusions:
- Dutch citizens exhibit underdeveloped data and strategic health IoT skills.
- Older and lower-educated individuals, who stand to gain most from health IoT, struggle with its use.
- Addressing skill gaps is essential for equitable access to health IoT benefits.
