Internet Use and Cybersecurity Concerns of Individuals with Visual Impairments

Twenty individuals with visual impairments were surveyed in order to (a) understand their Internet use and (b) examine relations between metrics related to Internet use and cybersecurity-related knowledge, skills, confidence, and attitudes. Participants used the Internet for various purposes, including information search, communication, chatting, shopping, socialization, and education. The latter was more prevalent than in past research. Participants who were more knowledgeable and skilled regarding cybersecurity tended to be more concerned about it and to use the Internet less than those who were less knowledgeable about cybersecurity. Thus, cybersecurity concerns may lead individuals with visual impairments to decrease their Internet use, which could widen the digital divide.