Social Media Gerontology: Understanding Social Media Usage among a Unique and Expanding Community of Users

Abstract

The percentage of older adults using social media has dramatically increased in recent years, yet comparatively little research has been done to understand this unique community of users. In this paper, we first compare characteristics of Facebook users to non-users among adults over the age of 50. Second, we explore several characteristics of active Facebook users among older adults. Third, we build on previous research to investigate the differential impact of traditional versus social media-mediated communication activities among older adults, and assess its relation-ship with social satisfaction. Finally, we examine the specific relationship between older adults' Facebook communication habits and their attitudes regarding social satisfaction, loneliness and social isolation. Controlling for factors such as age, gender, ethnicity, socioeconomic status (education and income), and marital status, we find that directed communications (as opposed to broadcast communications and passive consumption of content) is significantly correlated with feelings of social satisfaction among this distinct population.

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