Digital Competence Among Older Adults: Is Self-Assessment Reliable?

Digital technology holds promise for addressing age-related challenges such as diminished physical and cognitive abilities, chronic conditions, and shifts in social connections. Individual proficiency in computer and internet skills influences technology adoption, correlated with advanced usage, positive attitudes, and self-efficacy. Despite extensive research on digital competence among younger demographics, there is a noticeable gap in inclusive design and research for older adults, with existing assessments often overlooking user ability diversity. The aim of this study is to evaluate the reliability of self-assessment as a method for measuring digital skills among older adults by comparing self-reported competence with objective assessments using the digital foundation skills framework.

A between-subjects design was used to explore the reliability of self-assessment in evaluating digital skills among older adults, comparing self-assessed and objective assessments using the digital foundation skills framework. This framework encompasses six domains and provides statements and practical examples for self-assessment and objective evaluation of digital competence. Data were collected from 51 Romanian adults over the age of 60 using an online survey for the subjective assessment and laboratory testing for the objective assessment.

Significant disparities were found between self-assessed and actual performance in three domains: digital foundation skills, communicating, and problem-solving. However, older adults accurately assessed their performance in handling information and content, transacting, and being safe and legal online.

Given the lack of a consistent pattern of overestimation or underestimation, objective assessment is recommended for precise digital competence evaluation.