Non-Use of Government Websites in Old Age: The Role of Ethnicity and Immigrant Status

Abstract

This study aimed to show whether the link exists between ethnic/immigrant origin of older internet users and the two digital exclusion parameters - non-use of government websites and reporting skill insufficiency as a reason for their non-use. The second-level digital divide approach served as the theoretical framework for the study. Data were obtained from the 2020 Israel Social Survey. The sample included 1293 internet users aged 60 years and older. The results show that members of ethnic minority group and immigrants were more likely than members of ethnic majority group to both belong to the government website non-user group and provide insufficient skills as a reason for non-use. The results support the second-level digital divide approach. They suggest that being internet user does not protect older immigrants and members of ethnic minority from being excluded from the e-government use. The findings imply that tailored support and training are required for older internet users with ethnic minority or immigrant background in order to better integrate them into the world of online government services.