“Digital participation” refers to being actively involved in thedigital society and using information and communication technology, above allthe internet. However, not everyone has access to this global network and theability to use it.

The aim of the study was to explore experiences of using theinternet and digital participation among people with aphasia (PWA) in Sweden byanalysing data from an online survey undertaken in 2021.

Methods & Procedures 

The study has a descriptive design using mixed methods.Sixty-four participants with self-reported aphasia and a reference group of1116 members of the general public answered the same survey with questionsrelated to internet use and the digital society. Answers from both groups toten multiple-choice questions were analysed statistically, and the PWA’sanswers to eleven open-ended questions were analysed using reflexive thematicanalysis.

Outcomes & Results 

Quantitatively, the analysis showed that answers concerninginternet use differed statistically significantly between the two groups.Qualitatively, the analysis identified two themes: “The internet imposes heavydemands” and “The internet provides opportunities”, with various sub-themes.

Conclusions 

PWA described how the internet is very demanding. However, theyalso reported positive experiences and confidence in the potential of thetechnology. Even so, the internet can be exclusionary, and it is important toensure that facilitating factors are considered in the development oftechnology and technology-mediated communication, so that communicationopportunities for PWA and others will be enhanced.

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