Empowering Elderly Individuals: The Role of Digital Media in Cybercrime

The research delves into the crucial realm of digital literacy and cybercrime awareness among older people, shedding light on their engagement with technology and susceptibility to online threats. Against the backdrop of a rapidly aging global population, where one in six individuals will be aged 60 or above by 2050, the study assumes paramount importance in addressing the evolving needs and challenges faced by elderly individuals This study delves into the awareness and literacy levels regarding digital media and cybercrimes among elderly individuals. Employing a survey methodology, data was collected from a sample of elderly respondents through a questionnaire format threw Google forms from 3 cities (namely Ahmadabad, Dhagandhra, Bhavnagar)of Gujarat which ranks 3rd in India for cyber crime and one call every 4 minute made for reporting cyber crime focusing on their digital media usage, awareness of cybercrimes, and comprehension of cyber security measures. The findings uncover a notable paradox. Despite a significant proportion of elderly individuals (66%) frequently utilizing digital platforms, particularly for financial transactions, their proficiency in digital literacy remains low, with only 6% rating themselves highly proficient. While there is a growing acknowledgment of the importance of social media (88% recognize its significance for connection and information), awareness of newer digital media formats is lacking. Of particular concern is the inadequate awareness of cybercrimes, with 40% of respondents reporting limited or no awareness, despite a considerable number falling victim to fraudulent activities. Moreover, there is a concerning lack of understanding regarding cyber security measures, with 60% unaware of concepts such as malware and cookies, and 50% lacking awareness of bank privacy policies. The study underscores the urgent need for targeted educational initiatives tailored to the elderly demographic to bridge the digital literacy gap and enable safe navigation of the digital landscape.