Going online on behalf of others: An investigation of ‘proxy’ internet consumers

A range of Australians find themselves acting as ‘proxy internet users’ – i.e. using online services and applications on behalf of other adults who otherwise make limited use of the internet. Researchers at Monash University and Federation University have looked at the way proxy use works, finding that despite proxy internet users commonly involving themselves in important and/or ‘risky’ online activities – e.g. banking, personal finances and purchasing goods, few have considered the possible implications of their help to both themselves, or the person they are assisting.This paper highlights a number of issues that merit attention from communications stakeholders and provides a set of recommendations to help ensure proxy internet use can be a positive experience for all.