Effects Of Social Media On The Elderly

Improved Essays
Throughout the twenty-first century, swift development of information and communication technology and the ageing of the population are both principal movements of the world, mainly in developed countries (Guzzo, Ferri and Grifoni 2014, 8). Social media and mobile technology play a central role as a modern communication tool among several internet user groups with different purposes. In particular, the elderly individuals over 60-75 years old of age or ‘older baby boomer’, who frequently use a social networking sites, are on the rise in most developed countries (Nikou, 2015, 294). In recent years, the aging population has significantly used social network sites in their everyday life; however, there is little research to examine this unique …show more content…
It also helps Mrs Gibb and other senior users to feel the existence of a family connectedness. As a result of a strong family bond, the elderly can maintain physical, psychological and emotional well-being, to increase cognitive ability and thinking skills, as well as to prevent an earlier death of the elderly. The use of social media by senior users can boost and expand a social network and sociability both online and offline (Cotton et al. 2012, quoted in Guzzo, Ferri and Grifoni 2014, 9). In the field investigation, Norfazlina, et al. (2014, 250-255) concluded that the use of social media is able to effortlessly connect people and indirectly tie up the social needs among the elderly users and their family. Also, regular using social networking sites, such as posting daily activities on Facebook, can significantly improve the ‘seven components of quality of life’ of the elderly users in everyday life, including family relationship, emotional well-being, happiness that come from religious involvement, independence and autonomy, social leisure activities, living standard and financial stability, and healthy …show more content…
The average age of Facebook users participating in online activities was between 20-29 and most of them were under 60 years of age. As a result of younger aged majority on social networking sites, the negative attitude towards the elderly users of some younger users prevents older people from participating with younger generations on the social networking sites. Mutuality of respect is the real issue between older and younger Facebook users due to frequent occurrences of hate speech and negative age

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