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Internet use among adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in South Korea
Author(s) -
Kim Kyung Mee,
Lee Chung Eun
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of applied research in intellectual disabilities
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.056
H-Index - 63
eISSN - 1468-3148
pISSN - 1360-2322
DOI - 10.1111/jar.12843
Subject(s) - the internet , digital divide , entertainment , internet access , internet privacy , literacy , psychology , digital literacy , business , political science , computer science , world wide web , pedagogy , law
Background It is evident that people with disabilities worldwide face digital divide; although this divide has been mitigated owing to greater access to technologies, a gap remains in terms of Internet use. Given that South Korea has one of the highest Internet access rates, it is necessary to examine how adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) access the Internet, and what correlates with Internet usage. Method A total of 298 adults with IDD in South Korea participated in the survey. Results The participants reported benefits from the Internet including increased opportunities for leisure and entertainment, updated news and networking with friends. Internet access was found to be pervasive among people of younger ages and less severe disabilities. Further, Internet usage corresponded to material access, digital literacy and a positive attitude towards digital applications. Conclusions Targeted digital literacy programmes can be developed for adults with IDD.