Social media use among older men

Introduction

Older adults may develop supportive relationships through online interactions and

enhance contact with family and friends by using the Internet. Giving and receiving tangible or

emotional assistance is the essence of social support. Perhaps older adults benefit from the direct

effects of social support by developing a safe and reliable online social network. More frequent

use of the Internet has an indirect influence on improving psychological well-being among older

adults, which supports previous reports that have suggested that Internet use can be beneficial to

well-being in later life. The prevalence of smartphone addiction among older men has been

increasing. SNS usage among older adults is associated with higher levels of social role

satisfaction, maintenance of social connectedness, and reduced feelings of loneliness. However,

while older men generally reported higher life satisfaction with SNS usage, longitudinal studies

revealed that male users reported more loneliness over time.Social media allows older adults to

express themselves, participate in discussions and stay in contact with society. Participating in

social networks can empower older people and provide them with a sense of connectedness and

greater control and self-efficacy. Social media can be understood as internet-based applications

that create links among users and user-generated content in online environments (Obar and

Wildman) Information and communication technology (ICT) is defined as using e-mail, the

Internet, social networking sites, and voice/video technology on devices such as smartphones,

computers, and tablets (Blaschke, Freddolino, & Mullen, 2009).A survey conducted by the
National Information Society Agency (NIA) revealed that the risk group for smartphone

addiction among individuals in their 60s increased significantly from 16.8% in 2020 to 17.5% in

2019.

Rationale

The examination of older men's wellbeing through social media holds significant

importance. With the pervasive integration of digital technologies into daily life, there is a

pressing need to comprehend how social media impacts the wellbeing of older individuals, a

demographic often overlooked in research studies. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for

promoting healthy aging in an increasingly digital world. Older men encounter distinct

challenges such as social isolation, loneliness, and mental health issues, which can be influenced

by their interactions on social media platforms. Investigating their usage patterns and

experiences on these platforms can yield valuable insights into effective strategies for improving

their wellbeing, nurturing social connections, and addressing age-related concerns within the

digital landscape. Ultimately, the outcomes of such research efforts can guide the development of

tailored interventions and support programs, thereby enhancing the quality of life and health

outcomes for older men.

Variables

Social Media - Social media can be understood as internet-based applications that create links

among users and user-generated content in online environments (Obar and Wildman)

Wellbeing - Well-being is a positive state experienced by individuals and societies (World

Health Organization, 2022)

Social media engagement - Social media engagement refers to the level of interaction and

involvement that individuals or users have with content on social media platforms. Kaplan and

Haenlein's (2010) research highlights the significance of user interactions, differentiating

between passive and active participation. While active engagement includes activities like

sharing and commenting, passive engagement consists of basic tasks like watching content.

Review of Literature

Social Media Usage

According to Cornwell et al. (2008) and Hülür & Macdonald (2020), social media

platforms provide chances for interaction with friends and relatives, promoting a feeling of

belonging and preventing social isolation, a problem that is common among older men. Research

indicates that social media use may potentially result in more intimate and meaningful

relationships.

Research reveals that social media use and life satisfaction are positively correlated in

older people (Gaia et al., 2021). According to Moulot et al. (2018), using social media can also

reduce stress and loneliness, which improves mental health.Social media use among older people

may provide cognitive stimulation and enhance cognitive performance (Benge & Scullin, 2020;

Wolff et al., 2021). Research indicates that improved memory and executive functioning may be

associated with effective use of technology-based tools (Czaja et al., 2013).

 However, there have also been worries expressed about how social media use may

negatively impact cognitive function, leading to greater attention and forgetfulness (Small et al.,

2020). According to Sharifian and Zahodne (2020), an overindulgence in technology for memory

tasks could aggravate these issues.Men in particular may find it difficult to use social media

because of limited access to technology and low digital literacy (Heilsper & Reisdorf, 2017;

Moult et al., 2018). To guarantee fair access to and involvement in the online community, it is

imperative to address the digital gap.

According to Moulot et al. (2018), older persons may be more vulnerable to online scams and

misinformation, and sharing personal information online presents privacy problems for them.

According to Rosen et al. (2013), there has been a significant rise in smartphone usage in

the past ten years, with users of all ages using them. According to Rosen et al. (2013), the

emergence of smartphones has resulted in an increase in the frequency of digital activities and

the advent of new modes of engagement that are influencing social relationships and daily life.

Motivational factors driving smartphone usage among older adults differ from those of younger

generations. Students' primary reasons for using smartphones have been found to be emotional

gain and leisure (Chen et al., 2017). Nicolaisen and Thorsen (2014) observed that older people'

reasons for using smartphones are influenced by their personal circumstances, like living alone

or with a spouse and having more free time, especially if they are retired. In this situation, using

a smartphone might be an attempt to make up for emotional and mental issues like loneliness.

Older adults use the Internet less than all other age groups, but their rate of use has been

increasing rapidly in recent years (Perrin & Duggan, 2015).Older adults’ ICT use is also
positively associated with formal social participation, such as attending meetings and

involvement with community organizations (Cody et al., 1999; Hogeboom et al., 2010), religious

participation, and volunteer work (Choi & Dinitto, 2013).

Ihm and Hsieh (2015) reported that older adults’ offline social engagement (informal and

formal) was positively associated with instrumental ICT use (e.g., obtaining information,

services, and other resources), but not with social ICT use (e.g., using social media, posting

comments on blogs).Findings revealed that men were more likely to access and use ICT than

women. Men were more likely to access ICT (89.8% vs. 85.7%, p < .001) than women

According to a study for the Pew Internet and American Life, social networking site

(SNS) use among internet users ages 65 and older grew from 13% in 2009 to 33% in 2011.

As of February 2012, one third (34%) of internet users age 65 and older used social

networking sites such as Facebook. Among the 69% of those older than 65 who use social media,

68% use Facebook whereas only 20% use LinkedIn, 16% use Twitter, and 12% use Pinterest.

34% of males reported using Facebook. As of 2011, nearly seven in ten online women were

users of social networking sites (69%), compared with six in ten online men (60%). Women have

also been more active in their use of these sites with almost half of female internet users using

social networking sites on a typical day (48%) compared with 38% of male internet users

Adults with wide networks of close relatives and friends have good QoL(Quality of

work) and well-being. More frequent contacts with family were also positively correlated with

QoL. Other studies showed that beginning or maintaining participation in social activities in later

life is associated with greater QoL (78%) of the older adults use social media platforms (first

Facebook, then WhatsApp, TikTok, and Twitter) and (49.8%) of them trust them. It also
indicated that (74.7%) of them believed that these platforms increased their acquaintances, while

(53.2%) considered them to have improved their social relations, (51.6%) of them considered

that social media platforms had a positive impact on their psychological condition.

The gratifications theory states that the audience chooses the medium and the contents

that the audience wants to pursue based on several complex and interrelated factors, including

cultural backgrounds, personality, lifestyle, age, gender, income, education, economic level.

Accordingly, the theory of uses and gratifications differed from previous theories in that it dealt

with the characteristics of the audience that is exposed to the media in terms of characteristics

and motives away from the argument of habituation and acceptance of what is presented to it.

There is a high usage of social media by older adults. Facebook came first, followed by

WhatsApp, YouTube, Twitter, Google Plus, then Instagram, while other sites came at low levels.

SNS use was reported by 32.6% of men. Men who lived in cities had a larger percentage of SNS

users. Compared to older men who lived alone, those who shared a home were more likely to use

SNSs. SNS usage was correlated with greater levels of education, higher equivalent household

income, and participation in the economy. Compared to their peers, older men with no

constraints on daily activities, fewer chronic illnesses, and positive relationships with friends and

neighbors demonstrated a higher frequency of usage of social networking sites.

Specifically, older people blame teenagers lack of manners, while teenagers blame older

people lack of skills. Comunello et al. conclude that “ageist stereotypes play a major role in

shaping the strong moralistic and patronizing judgements expressed by older and younger

participants towards ‘the other’ age cohort” (Comunello, 2020). For how insightful these studies

are, some research gaps remain open.

 First, as mentioned above, scholars in this field call for further research on smartphone

digital practices. In particular, more research efforts are yet to be done for understanding the

construction and management of social relations through smartphones by older people in their

everyday life (Fernández-Ardèvol, 2019). Second, the emerging studies on media ideologies

seem very promising in grasping the complexity of meanings older people attach to smartphones

(especially when analyzed in comparison with the ideologies of other age groups). So far,

research on smartphone ideologies mainly focused on processes of production and reproduction

of ageist stereotypes and discourses. Anyway, media ideologies can also be analyzed in order to

understand their impact on specific smartphone usages as well as on the construction of social

connections via smartphone. Lastly, from a methodological point of view, more empirical

research based on log data needs to be done, especially because log data is crucial to capture

older people’s smartphone digital practices in everyday life (Rosales & Fernández,2016).

Nevertheless, so far, aging scholars have mostly used log data quantitatively to monitor the

occurrence and frequency of smartphone patterns of use, forsaking to explore the cultural

dimension of such use.

Well Being

Chan (2018) for instance, studied the association between digital communication and

psychological well-being across the lifespan and found that for older cohorts, having access to

different (digital) communication channels can induce behavior that enhances psychological

well-being. Szabo et al. (2019) stress that Internet use can support the well-being of elderly, but

this impact varies with the type (social, instrumental or informational) of use. Yet another study

found that the negative impact of functional disability on well-being in elderly was less when

they used SNS more (Van Ingen et al., 2017).

 One possible explanation for the increased well being due to computer-mediated social

support is the likelihood of interacting with someone with similar life experiences who may be

more accessible in the digital world (Pfiel, Zaphiris, & Wilson, 2009). Moreover, giving and

receiving support through digital means enhances a sense of connectedness and wellbeing

(Thomas, 2010)

A number of factors are considered to be central to successful aging and wellbeing in

older people [7]. While there is evidence of facilitators and barriers to the widespread use of

various forms of institutional and family support, personal development-oriented education

and/or new technologies, there is limited evidence regarding older people’s motivations,

expectations, and experiences of aging. Successful aging is described by way of a formula of

satisfaction with life, high morale, and subjective assessment of wellbeing.

Smartphone usage

According to estimates, there will be 2 billion older people on the planet by 2050, making

the aging population a significant anthropological problem in the twenty-first century (Crimmins

et al., 2009). Older persons made up 8.20% of the Iranian population in 2011; in the province of

Mazandaran, they made up 67% of the population (World Health Organisation, 2015).

According to Garrison and Kanuka (2004), e-learning has replaced traditional training

methods as the preferred approach in the third millennium. Training programmes for the elderly

now include e-learning, which incorporates self-education, as a fundamental component. Due to

its alignment with the evolving technology world, this change is especially pertinent.
 According to Zhang et al. (2016), the widespread use of mobile phones has made them an

advantageous resource for e-learning for senior citizens. The accessibility of mobile phones at

any time and place makes them an ideal platform for educational purposes, catering to the needs

of older individuals who may face challenges in attending traditional training sessions. Men were

more encouraged to use smartphone applications to manage health if the applications could guide

them on exercise routines.

According to Blaschke et al. (2019), older people can benefit from mobile phones by

having more social connection, feeling less alone, and having access to entertainment. According

to Chou et al. (2018), mobile phones can be used as memory aids by people with dementia by

exhibiting current events through photographs, which helps to improve memory.

There is reason to believe that social networks play an essential role in life satisfaction

amongst the oldest-old. Social networks are usually described either in terms of structural

measures such as frequency of social contacts or as functional indicators such as quality of the

social network and social support (Cohen et al. 2001).

Paradoxically, although frequency of social contacts has been found to decrease with age

(Lang and Carstensen 1994; Due et al. 1999), satisfaction with the social network tends to

increase (Lansford et al. 1998). The quality of the social network has repeatedly been found to be

important to life satisfaction (Pinquart and Sörensen 2000). On the other hand, there is also

evidence that frequency of social contacts is more important than quality (Bowling 1990). The

conflicting results may be an expression of individual differences in what is gained through

network involvement.
Research gaps

Motivational factors for using or not using social media need to be analyzed. Analysis of

another social media app. Exploring other potential mediators of the relationships among Internet

use, life satisfaction, and psychological well-being for a comprehensive understanding of the

effects of Internet use among older adults.

One significant gap is the existence of a "grey digital divide" where only a selected group

of older people, such as the most educated and wealthiest, can benefit from social media use,

contributing to reinforcing social inequalities

Exploring the level of technological proficiency among older rural adults could shed light

on potential barriers to social media engagement. Understanding factors such as privacy

concerns, knowledge, and confidence in technology use can help tailor interventions to enhance

digital literacy among this population.

Lacks a nuanced exploration of the gender-specific aspects of social connectedness

among older adults.

The majority of existing studies concentrate on Western populations. There is a need for

research that includes diverse cultural, socioeconomic, and ethnic backgrounds to ensure the

applicability and effectiveness of media-sharing systems across different contexts.

Scales

​The study utilizes several scales to measure different variables. Here are the scales used in the

research:
● Social Relations Scale: The study collects information on social relations using various

variables:

Marital Status: Coded into categories such as 'never married', 'married or

cohabitating', 'separated or divorced', and 'widowed'.

Household Size: Coded based on the number of household members.

Frequency of Contact with Friends: Operationalized by asking how often

respondents see friends in their spare time, with response categories including

'every day', 'more than once a week', 'once a week', 'less than once a month', 'a few

times a year', and 'never'.

● Ryff’s Measures of Psychological Well-Being.16 A total of seven items using a 6-point

Likert-type scale.a series of statements reflecting the six areas of psychological

well-being: autonomy, environmental mastery, personal growth, positive relations with

others, purpose in life, and self-acceptance.

● The Social Media Use Scale (SMUS) - is a questionnaire used to measure individuals'

social media use. The SMUS was developed by Lin, Wang, and Chen (2016). The SMUS

includes 22 items, divided into five dimensions: social interaction, entertainment,

information seeking, convenience, and social comparison.

● Mobile phone problematic use scale (MPPUS-10) : Measures smartphone usage

and adapted FoMO to older adults' context. the 10-item mobile phone

problematic use scale (MPPUS-10) developed by Foerster, Roser, Schoeni, and

Röösli (2015). MPPUS-10 highly reflects the original MPPUS-27 with a

 Cronbach's alpha of 0.85 (Foerster et al., 2015). Each question in MPPUS-10 is

worth 7 points, and the maximum total score is 70.

● SAS-SV: The original SAS contains 33 items assessing “daily life disturbance,” “positive

anticipation,” “withdrawal,” “cyberspace-oriented relationship,” “overuse,” and

“tolerance” symptoms of PSU (Kwon, Lee, et al., 2013). A content validation process

was conducted with three items from the “daily life disturbance,” four from the

“withdrawal,” and one each from the “cyberspace-oriented relationship,” “overuse,” and

“tolerance” subscales selected to form the 10-item SAS-SV (Kwon, Kim, et al., 2013).

Method

Qualitative Research Analysis

Qualitative research methods, such focus groups and interviews, provide important new

perspectives on the lives of older adults. These approaches explore the motivations, attitudes, and

perceptions underlying their use of social media, providing insight into the variables influencing

how they utilize it and the effects those behaviors have on their wellbeing. Furthermore, by using

qualitative methods, older people are able to express their emotional experiences and reveal both

positive and negative emotions associated with using social media. Furthermore, by examining

how social media intersects with older people's social networks and sense of purpose, as well as

how it fits into their everyday lives, qualitative study offers context and meaning. Essentially,

qualitative research provides a more profound comprehension of the reasons and feelings that

underlie older people's use of social media, enhancing quantitative data with nuanced insights.

Quantitative Research Analysis

Quantitative research is crucial for comprehending the scope and size of different phenomena.

Through extensive surveys and questionnaires, it assists in identifying trends and patterns in the

use of social media among older people, exposing prevalent usage patterns, favoured platforms,

and relationships with measures of well-being. Researchers can build connections and shed light

on potential benefits or drawbacks by employing quantitative analysis to quantify the impact of

social media on elements including loneliness, social connectedness, depression, and life

satisfaction. Additionally, quantifiable data makes it easier to compare various subgroups within

the community of older adults, enabling investigation into the potential influences of age, gender,

socioeconomic position, and health conditions on social media use and its implications on overall

wellbeing. Quantitative research provides a strong foundation for understanding the dynamics of

social media use and its consequences for older adults' well-being by providing quantifiable

insights, comparisons, and identification of patterns.

Ethical considerations

1. Participants should be informed about the goal of the study as well as the intended use

and expected values of the results.

2. Participant’s confidentiality should be ensured using an anonymous data collection

process.

3. Identify the ethical principles involved in justice, respect of persons, beneficence, and

nonmaleficence with older adults.

4. Identify the ethical manner to disseminate information discovered in this study

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