Characterizing different patterns of digital competence and their associations with loneliness and social isolation among older adults: findings from South Korea

Objectives: With the advent of worldwide internet networks in the digital age, digital competence can play an important role in decreasing loneliness and social isolation in older adults. This study characterized different patterns of digital competence among older adults and examined their associations with loneliness and social isolation Method: The sample included 315 older Korean adults (M = 68.79, range = 65–84) who completed an online survey. Results: Latent profile analysis identified four different profiles of digital competence, including 1) low activity (28%) who did not choose digital participation despite advanced technical skills, 2) unskilled (13%) who had limited technical skills, 3) passive participation (25%) who was motivated for digital interactions even with insufficient technical skills, and 4) active participation (34%) who were involved in digital activities with the necessary skills. Additionally, the unskilled profile had relatively higher levels of loneliness than did the active participation profile. The passive participation and low activity profiles showed the highest level of social isolation, followed by the unskilled, and active participation profiles. Conclusion: The present findings suggest that understanding different profiles of digital competence and facilitating active digital participation related to specific profiles can be an effective strategy to reduce older adults’ social isolation and loneliness.