Experiências de idosos usuários de internet.

Abstract

The increase in the use of the Internet in Brazilian homes has shaped a new reality in the country, especially from the creation of technological artifacts that have helped in the practicality of its access. In recent years, this resource has transformed the lives of countless people into their personal and / or professional environments. In this change was necessary to advance in researches on the relation between the virtual and the human beings, with that, a term that refers to the interaction of the individual with these products and / or services was created, denominated of user experience. The elderly experienced the transformation phase of this virtual society. The elderly population is constantly growing, becoming an active public with interests for the technological artifacts connected to the internet. However, the elderly were not socialized with the Internet, since the internet has been present in society for a few decades. In this sense, the present research aims to understand the experiences of elderly internet users. This study is within the scope of qualitative research. The instrument used was a semistructured individual interview. Participants were invited to participate, and informed of the criteria for participation, as well as the research objectives. The interviews were recorded and transcribed in full. With the results obtained, it is concluded that the experiences of elderly internet users imply directly their emotions, new ways of seeing and living the world, modifying their forms of interaction, communication and knowledge acquisition. It was also found that many of the interviewees searched for and / or wanted to take computer courses to improve their computer skills. In this way, it was noticed that the internet has become increasingly present in the life of the elderly. Consequently, by providing greater contact with friends and family, helping their professions, and their daily lives, in the face of their doubts, increasing their well-being and maximizing pleasant feelings like satisfaction and happiness.