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Frontline Knowledge: Digital Media Literacy of Older Adults in Ukraine

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  • Olga Pasitselska

    (Centre for Media and Journalism Studies, University of Groningen, The Netherlands)

Abstract

Digital media literacy becomes crucial in modern conflict zones, as conflicts are increasingly digitized and hyperconnected. While a dangerous environment raises the need for orientation, propaganda and fakes discourage audiences’ sense-making efforts. Older adults often experience digital and social exclusion and might be vulnerable to mis- and disinformation. Previous research, focusing mostly on Western Europe, has studied digital media practices of older adults, however, there is very little knowledge on digital media literacy skills and needs of older adults in conflict zones. Drawing on eight focus groups, this article explores Ukrainian older adults’ challenges and compensation strategies during the digitized war. An inductive-qualitative analysis identifies three main factors that shape digital practices and dictate the literacy needs of Ukrainian older adults: (a) (lack of) access, grounded in material infrastructure and social ties; (b) self-(in)efficacy that often stems from pre-convictions about one’s agency and position in society; and (c) resilience that becomes crucial in the situation of continuous exposure to (mediated) violence. This research contributes to the understanding of the media literacy needs of older adults and lays the foundation for developing digital literacy study programs in conflict zones.

Suggested Citation

  • Olga Pasitselska, 2024. "Frontline Knowledge: Digital Media Literacy of Older Adults in Ukraine," Media and Communication, Cogitatio Press, vol. 12.
    • Handle: RePEc:cog:meanco:v12:y:2024:a:8277
    DOI: 10.17645/mac.8277
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Guess, Andrew M. & Munger, Kevin, 2023. "Digital literacy and online political behavior," Political Science Research and Methods, Cambridge University Press, vol. 11(1), pages 110-128, January.
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