Onderzoeksartikel

Computerexpertise en millenniumprobleem: de selectieve verwerking van informatie

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Abstract

This article focuses on the general public’s perception of the risks related to the so-called Millennium problem. Leading research question is the role played by computer expertise in the processing of information concerning the Millennium problem. With a written questionnaire, completed by 286 respondents, risk perceptions, mitigating behaviour, and information processing were studied. These variables were related to the level of computer expertise. Results indicated that, approximately 8 months before the start of the year 2000, on average the respondents did not worry much about this risk, and had not taken many precautionary measures either. It appears to be relevant to distinguish three groups of respondents based on the level of ‘computer literacy’: a) computer illiterates, b) average users, and c) ‘experts’. From the risk perception perspective the average users experience most problems. They perceive the probability of occurrence of the Millennium problem the highest, think their personal risk is high, and worry most about the problem. Furthermore, their levels of self efficacy and outcome expectancy are low. These characteristics are often associated with anxious people. Computer illiterates and ‘experts’ differ remarkably from average users in these respects. The groups also differed in the gathering of information concerning the Millennium problem. We assume that computer expertise offered a frame of reference which enabled a critical evaluation of the available information on the Millennium problem.

How to Cite:

Kuttschreuter, M. & Gutteling, J., (2001) “Computerexpertise en millenniumprobleem: de selectieve verwerking van informatie”, Tijdschrift voor Communicatiewetenschap 29(1), 51–71.