A Conceptual Framework of Driving Factors Influencing Older Adults’ Smartphone Use Behaviour in Malaysia using SOR Framework

Malaysia’s rapidly aging population presents challenges in digital inclusion, particularly in smartphone adoption among older adults. Despite the numerous benefits of smartphone use—including enhanced communication, access to information, and improved health management—many older Malaysians remain hesitant to embrace this technology. This study applies the Stimulus-Organism-Response (SOR) framework to examine the driving factors influencing smartphone adoption among older adults in Malaysia. Specifically, it investigates the roles of subjective norms, facilitating conditions, self-efficacy, technology anxiety, perceived ease of use, and perceived usefulness in shaping behavioral intention. A mixed-methods approach, combining survey data and qualitative insights, ensures a comprehensive understanding of the issue. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) will be employed to analyze the relationships among key variables. The findings will provide evidence-based recommendations for policymakers, technology developers, and community organizations to enhance digital literacy, reduce barriers, and promote technology acceptance. By integrating socio-cultural and infrastructural considerations into the SOR framework, this study contributes to the growing discourse on digital inclusion and aging, offering a localized perspective on smartphone adoption in Malaysia. The insights gained can inform strategies to empower older adults, bridge the digital divide, and improve their quality of life through greater smartphone utilization.