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Francis McDonnell 

BSc [Hons] Applied Psychology

Applied psychology graduate with an interest in UX design and research. Employing applied psychology principles to enhance and maintain businesses. Making technology with high usability and accessibility.

Cybersafety for vulnerable people is an important topic. This is especially true for adults with intellectual disabilities. This is heightened by the COVID-19 pandemic pushing these users online. This study aimed to use a deductive approach to investigate previous cybersafety literature, informing the questionnaire for online interviews with experts in this area.
While studies have documented the qualitative experience of those with ID being cyberbullied, there is limited research on the expert views of those who research and who work with service users in this subject area. There is also limited research on the confidence of those who are in proxy of ID users (care workers, family members) to point to various supports to help them cope and prevent instances of cyberbullying.
Despite internet access being a right for users, respondents indicted how these rights are being overlooked in terms of limited accessibility. One expert indicated that users have utilised online space by expressing their opinions on equality and their rights.
Using thematic analysis, the main barriers identified were a new era of technology and parental fear. The new era of technology describes how access to technology can be hindered by lack of money, increasing interface complexity and various threats online.
This study is not without its limitations. Because respondents were those in proxy of people with intellectual disabilities, it may not report all the issues encountered by this population. The sample size was small and consisted of females which may impact this study being inferred back to the expert population at large.


Expert perspectives on cybersafety for adults with intellectual disability.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic pushing intellectually disabled users online, this study aimed to investigate expert opinions on cybersafety for these users. Previous cybersafety literature was explored to design a qualitative online interview. Experts researching the topic and working in the sector were interviewed.
The findings revealed there is still much more work to be done on the area of cybersafety. For example, there is little information among the service users on webcam safety issues. Current resources are not appropriate for users, with many needing help to understand and navigate these resources.


Applied Psychology
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