Ability to Detect Digital Risks: Effects of an Educational Intervention and Dementia Risk Level

TL;DR

This study shows that an educational program helps older adults better detect digital risks, especially misinformation, regardless of their dementia risk.

Contribution

The study demonstrates that educational interventions can improve older adults' ability to detect digital risks and enhance their cognitive performance.

Findings

The educational intervention improved the ability to identify digital risks in older adults.

The intervention had a specific effect on the media education dimension, reducing susceptibility to misinformation.

Cognitive gains were observed in participants, regardless of their dementia risk level.

Abstract

Introduction: Several studies have been conducted in the field of education for older adults, with an emphasis on teaching and learning processes related to the use of digital technologies. Among the relevant aspects to be considered in this context is the cognitive vulnerability of this age group in terms of digital security. Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between cognitive aspects of older adults and their ability to identify digital risks, before and after participating in an educational intervention, as well as the effect of the intervention on cognition in this age group. Methodology: Analyses were conducted according to the educational intervention and control groups, further stratified by digital risk (SJT) and dementia risk, according to the ACE-R test. The Mann–Whitney test was used to identify possible differences in the likelihood of falling for digital scams, considering the dimensions generated by the simulations (SJT). Results: Overall, the educational intervention was effective for the media education dimension (delta −0.5), regardless of dementia risk. More specifically, a particular effect was observed in the post-intervention stage. Conclusions: The educational intervention was able to promote cognitive gains and reduce digital risks among older adults, particularly in the identification of misinformation, underscoring the importance of continuous and adapted programs to promote digital security in this population.

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