Technophobia and computer anxiety in older adults: a systematic review of the influencing factors

New technologies are crucial in empowering seniors to overcome disabilities. However, there is a prevalent fear of technology among many older adults, known as technophobia. Understanding the barriers that hinder older adults from embracing new technology can significantly improve their overall health and well-being. Therefore, this systematic review aimed to explore existing studies on technophobia and computer anxiety among older adults to identify effective factors contributing to technophobia.

A literature review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A systematic review was performed across six electronic databases (MEDLINE (PubMed), Scopus, Web of Science, IEEE Xplore, Embase, and the Cochrane Library) with no time limit until October 2025. Studies on technophobia or computer anxiety in older adults were included, and studies that focused solely on the digital divide were excluded to maintain a specific focus on technophobia. The methodological quality of the articles was assessed via the Newcastle‒Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale (NOS), Guidelines for Reporting Evidence-Based Teaching and Learning Interventions (GREET), and Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP).

The search initially identified 2,642 records, 21 of which met the inclusion criteria. The analysis revealed that nine studies (42.9%) specifically assessed technophobia with standardized instruments, whereas six studies (28.6%) focused primarily on computer-related technophobia. Additionally, eight studies (38.1%) examined the role of self-efficacy in relation to technology acceptance among older adults. Educational interventions (reported in 33.3% of studies) reduced fear of technology (with reductions ranging from 12.7% to 46.6%) and increased self-efficacy (from 27.8% to 73.7%). Social support (14.3%) indirectly mitigated fear of technology through improvements in self-efficacy and eHealth literacy. The key demographic factors linked to higher levels of technophobia included older age (28.6%), lower educational attainment (23.8%), and lower income (14.3%). Overall, this synthesis underscores the importance of multifaceted strategies that address the psychological, educational, and social dimensions underlying technophobia in older adults.

This review revealed that technophobia in older adults can be reduced by educational interventions, self-efficacy, and social support. We recommend age-friendly design standards, digital skills training, and usability testing with older adults. Future research should target emerging technologies, standardized tools, and longitudinal studies.