노년층의 미디어 이용과 정보 신뢰 형성에 관한 근거이론적 접근

초록

This study examines the media usage patterns of older adults and their process of forming trust in information, with a focus on the influence of the digital environment and social networks. Based on Grounded Theory, in-depth interviews were conducted with 20 older adults aged 60 to 70, and key factors influencing media use and information trust formation were derived through open coding and axial coding. The findings reveal that, first, older adults maintain a high level of trust in traditional media(TV, newspapers) while gradually incorporating digital media(YouTube, SNS, portal news) as complementary sources. Second, information trust formation is influenced by repetition exposure, algorithmic recommendation systems, and the role of social networks in providing information, with a notable tendency to trust information from family and close acquaintances without verification. Third, social networks play a crucial role in the diffusion and formation of information trust among older adults, as specific communities(such as KakaoTalk group chats and religious gatherings) serve as key determinants of trust. Fourth, older adults experience various technical, cognitive, and environmental difficulties in utilizing digital media, emphasizing the necessity for digital literacy education and policy support. This study highlights that information trust formation among older adults is not merely a matter of technological adaptation but a complex interaction between the digital environment and social networks.

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