NEW MEDIA AWARENESS AND PERCEPTION AMONG THE ELDERLY POPULATION IN SOUTHEAST NIGERIA

Abstract

This study explores the level of awareness and perception of new media technologies among the elderly population in Southeast Nigeria, a demographic often excluded from the rapidly evolving digital landscape. Despite the widespread proliferation of new media, most existing research has focused on younger, tech-savvy users, leaving a critical knowledge gap regarding how older adults engage with digital technologies. This study seeks to fill that gap by examining the demographic factors influencing elderly individuals’ awareness and perception of new media. Using a mixed-methods research design, data were gathered from 391 elderly respondents aged 65 and above across five south-eastern Nigerian states. Quantitative data were collected through structured questionnaires, while qualitative insights were obtained via focus group discussions. The analysis focused on respondents’ knowledge of digital platforms, perceived ease of use, and perceived usefulness of new media tools such as social media, mobile apps, and internet-based communication platforms. Findings reveal a relatively high level of awareness of new media, especially platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, and online news services. However, awareness was uneven, with lower recognition of platforms like Twitter, email, and digital apps. Perception of new media was mixed: while a majority acknowledged its usefulness in staying informed and connected, many expressed concerns about complexity, privacy, and usability. Only 36.8% of the respondents found new media easy to use, while 63.2% reported difficulty. The study concludes that although awareness of new media among the elderly is growing, significant barriers in perception persist, influenced by digital literacy, age, and socio-economic background. It recommends targeted digital literacy programmes tailored to the elderly to enhance inclusion and bridge the digital divide.