Date of Award
8-2025
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
Computer Science
Committee Chair/Advisor
Bart Knijnenburg
Committee Member
Kaileigh Byrne
Committee Member
Nathan McNeese
Committee Member
Kelly Caine
Committee Member
Paige Rodeghero
Abstract
As older adults increasingly engage with digital platforms, they face unique privacy risks stemming from limited digital literacy, reduced trust in AI technologies, and constrained access—especially in rural or underserved communities. While digital tools offer benefits like social connection and information access, current privacy education efforts often neglect the needs of older adults. This dissertation addresses this gap by developing, testing, and refining digital privacy education interventions tailored for older adults, with a focus on trust, personalization, and AI-assisted learning.
Study 1 evaluates multiple instructional modalities across age groups, revealing older adults prefer structured videos and interactive tutorials, while younger adults favor chatbots and infographics. Studies 2a and 2b extend this work with experimental assessments of learning, enjoyment, and behavioral change, highlighting the importance of modality-personalization and user characteristics like rurality, motivation, and digital literacy.
Study 3a explores trust in AI vs. human instructors, revealing older and middle-aged women as the most trusted. Study 3b introduces trust transfer, demonstrating that AI instructors are better received when introduced by trusted humans—enhancing trust without overreliance.
Finally, Study 4 integrates an interactive AI assistant with a human-led introduction, showing significant gains in engagement, learning, and trust calibration. Results suggest older adults are not inherently resistant to AI, but require designs grounded in trust and usability.
Together, these studies offer theory-driven, evidence-based strategies for inclusive AI-assisted education. This work advances research in HCI, privacy literacy, and AI acceptance, supporting a future where older adults are empowered to engage safely and confidently with digital technologies.
Recommended Citation
Aly, Heba, "Revolutionizing Digital Privacy Education for Older Adults: Enhanced Interventions and AI-Assisted Learning Strategies" (2025). All Dissertations. 3968.
https://open.clemson.edu/all_dissertations/3968
Author ORCID Identifier
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3309-5862
Included in
Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research Commons, Graphics and Human Computer Interfaces Commons, Human Factors Psychology Commons, Other Computer Sciences Commons, Science and Technology Studies Commons