Documentation, Informaiton & Knowledge ›› 2022, Vol. 39 ›› Issue (6): 78-88.doi: 10.13366/j.dik.2022.06.078

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The Structure and Path of Digital Integration of Elderly Groups Based on Activity Theory

  

  • Online:2022-11-10 Published:2023-02-24

Abstract: [Purpose/Significance] Accelerating the digital integration process of older people is an essential element of implementing the strategy of active aging and digital China. The aim of this paper is to explore the micro-formation mechanism and macro-change pattern of digital integration activities of older groups and give systematic coping strategies for the current digital integration dilemma. [Design/Methodology] In this paper, we introduce activity theory as a conceptual framework to comprehensively analyze the elements, levels, and system structure of the digital integration activities of older people. We also systematically sort out the specific representations and coping strategies of four digital integration dilemmas: access gaps, usage gaps, rights gaps, and organizational collaboration. Finally, an comprehensive model containing a conceptual analysis framework of digital integration activities and an integration path system is constructed. [Findings/Conclusion] This study shows that from a "static-micro" perspective, the entire model consists of eight elements of digital integration activities for the elderly group, which form four systems and collaborate with each other within the system; from the "dynamic-macro" perspective, the complete digital integration needs to go through three stages: motivation trigger, digital integration, and result transformation, which are interlinked and inseparable. At the same time, the model provides a corresponding digital integration path for the digital divide and the multi-subject collaborative dilemma at all levels. [Originality/Value] The research results will provide a new theoretical perspective for future digital integration research and an action reference for constructing a multi-entity collaborative digital divide governance mechanism for the elderly.

Key words: Digital divide, Digital integration, Elderly group, Activity theory, Model study