The purpose of this study is to analyze the impact of digital literacy levels on life satisfaction and to verify the mediating effect of learning satisfaction in digital learning centers between digital literacy and life satisfaction. Through this res...
The purpose of this study is to analyze the impact of digital literacy levels on life satisfaction and to verify the mediating effect of learning satisfaction in digital learning centers between digital literacy and life satisfaction. Through this research, the aim is to enhance understanding of seniors' digital literacy levels and provide foundational data necessary for future research related to digital informationization, as well as for digital literacy policies and implementation methods.
To achieve the objectives of this study, a survey was conducted targeting seniors aged 50 and above residing in Busan who attend digital learning centers. A total of 247 survey responses were collected, and after eliminating 18 duplicates or unreliable entries, the final dataset of 229 responses were analyzed using the SPSS 25.0 program for empirical analysis.
To understand the general characteristics of the study participants, a frequency analysis was conducted. Cronbach's coefficient was calculated to verify the reliability of the measurement tools. Furthermore, descriptive statistics analysis was performed to assess the levels of digital literacy, life satisfaction, and education satisfaction. Finally, Pearson's correlation analysis and multiple regression analysis were conducted to explore the correlations between seniors' digital literacy, life satisfaction, and education satisfaction. Additionally, hierarchical multiple regression analysis was performed to verify the mediating effect of learning satisfaction in digital learning centers.
The results obtained through this research are as follows:
First of all, it has been confirmed that seniors' digital literacy provides a positive influence on life satisfaction. Specifically, the utilization of information and communication abilities of digital literacy significantly impacts both experiential and affective factors of life satisfaction. This is the result of emphasizing existing research that the higher the ability to use digital devices such as computers and smart devices, the lower the stress and social interaction, ultimately positively affecting life satisfaction and life satisfaction. Therefore, active participation in society through the utilization of digital information technology and online communication can have a positive impact not only on individuals' lives but also on society as a whole. In other words, supporting seniors to lead more fulfilling lives by enhancing their digital literacy abilities can be considered a societal responsibility. Consequently, digital education programs and efforts to enhance digital literacy skills emerge as important policy implications.
Secondly, it was confirmed that educational satisfaction in digital learning centers had a positive effect on life satisfaction. In terms of educational satisfaction, educational content had a positive effect on the experience factor of life satisfaction, and the curriculum had a positive effect on the emotional factor. When looking at the items of the measurement tool, the quality of the educational program, content, and the expectation that education will have a positive effect on daily life had an important influence on experience factors, and when the educational goals and educational content were systematic and easy to understand, they had an impact on emotional factors. Therefore, it is necessary to clearly present the goals of education during the training process and ensure that the contents of education can be delivered systematically and easily and effectively.
For the third, it has been verified that learning satisfaction in digital learning centers has a mediating effect between digital literacy and life satisfaction. The higher the level of digital literacy improves, the greater the increase in life satisfaction. As digital literacy increases, so does satisfaction with education; consequently, an indirect effect is observed wherein higher education satisfaction leads to increased life satisfaction. In the context of improving the quality of life for seniors amid the increasing elderly population, the results of this research once again emphasize the importance of digital literacy and digital empowerment education. Therefore, it is necessary to consider specific digital literacy education strategies, including factors that constitute digital literacy. Thus, it is essential to offer "Digital Device Utilization Education" to improve proficiency in using digital devices like computers, smartphones, and tablets. "Internet Search and Evaluation Education" is necessary to teach methods for accurately searching and evaluating reliable information online. "Social Networking, Online Ethics, and Safety Education" are crucial for educating individuals on adhering to norms, navigating social interactions online, and protecting personal information against threats and scams. Moreover, since improving digital literacy is difficult with just one session of education, it is essential to provide regular and ongoing education programs above all else.