Continuance in online participation following the compromise of older adults’ identity information: a literature review

ABSTRACT

This paper presents findings from a literature review on older adults continued use of the Internet following an identity theft incident. Globally, identity theft is increasing, statistics show that the number of older adults falling victim to identity theft is growing. Victims of identity theft suffer emotional, physical, psychological, and social problems; many change their behaviour as a result. The aim of the review was to examine literature to determine what is known regarding how older adults use the Internet and/or modify their online behaviour following an identity theft event. It was found that knowledge is lacking regarding the impact that identity theft events have on older adults’ continuation of Internet use. Little research has been undertaken to understand the factors and interrelationships that contribute to the situation. The review highlights that a systems ergonomics approach should be considered as an appropriate framework to drive future research in this area.

KEYWORDS:

• Systems ergonomics approach
• identity theft
• older adults
• Internet
• online behaviour

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank the reveiwers for their helpful comments. Paul M. Salmon's contribution to this article and research programme is supported through an Australian Research Council Future Fellowship (FT140100681).

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

Australian Research Council

Notes on contributors

Judy M. Watson

Judy Watson is a PhD candidate at the University of the Sunshine Coast and a member of the Centre for Human Factors and Sociotechnical Systems. Judy's research focuses on human-computer interaction and modelling behavioural change following the compromise of identity information.

Paul M. Salmon

Paul Salmon is a professor of Human Factors at the University of the Sunshine Coast and Director of the Centre for Human Factors & Sociotechnical Systems.

David Lacey

David Lacey is a professor of Cyber Security at the University of the Sunshine Coast and member of the Centre for Human Factors & Sociotechnical Systems. David is also Managing Director of IDCARE, Australia & New Zealand's National Identity & Cyber Support Service.

Don Kerr

Don Kerr, PhD, is an associate professor of Information Systems at the University of the Sunshine Coast. Don has conducted both qualitative and quantitative research in both industry and academia over the past 35 years. He has published over 130 peer reviewed papers in Information systems and management journals and conferences over the past 20 years, including in journals such as Information Systems Journal and Decision Support Systems. He has supervised 11 PhD research students to completion and is presently supervising seven PhD students.