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Article
A phenomenological investigation of internet usage among older individuals.
USF St. Petersburg campus Faculty Publications
  • Philip J. Trocchia
  • Swinder Janda
SelectedWorks Author Profiles:
Philip J. Trocchia
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2000
Disciplines
Abstract

Older consumers comprise a growing but under-represented segment of Internet users. However, compared to many younger groups, members of this segment often possess more discretionary time and income. This presents a significant opportunity for marketers of Internet related products and services. In order to better understand older individuals' attitudes and motivations concerning Internet usage, phenomenological interviews were conducted among six Internet users and six non-users. From the emic perspective of the informants, and the etic interpretation of the transcripts, the following six themes characterizing differences between Internet using and Internet non-using older individuals emerged: Reference group affiliation, Technology schema, Resistance to change, Nature of social relations, Perception of reality, and Physical dexterity. The marketing implications of these findings are identified and discussed.

Comments
Abstract only. Full-text article is available only through licensed access provided by the publisher. Published in Journal of Consumer Marketing, 17 (7), 605-616. DOI: 10.1108/07363760010357804 Members of the USF System may access the full-text of the article through the authenticated link provided.
Language
en_US
Publisher
Emerald Group Publishing Ltd.
Creative Commons License
Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0
Citation Information
Trocchia, P.J. & Janda, S. (2000). A phenomenological investigation of internet usage among older individuals. Journal of Consumer Marketing, 17 (7), 605-616.