Social media is a digital platform that contains a lot of stuff where people can interact. In the past years, social media has become part of the lives of the younger generation. Among the most used applications is Facebook where teens can post what is on their minds and also message one another. The shocking news is that even older individuals are now using Facebook. Indeed, social media for elderly people isn’t even a strange idea anymore.
People aged 65 and above are the fastest-growing users of social media. Such data is according to Pew’s research that shows the great impact of technology on seniors.
This post discusses the benefits and disadvantages of social media for elderly people, including your aging parents. Read on to know some of the tips on how to use social media to stay away from trouble.
How Does Social Media Work?
As technology constantly evolves, people are relying more on social media use. After all, you can stay connected and learn about any subject through social media, from others’ candid sharing, or through promoted content. You can join online support groups and stay in touch with family and friends whereabouts and read their musings.
Sharing updates with everyone has gotten faster through social media. It is easier to connect with friends and relatives with just one click. There are also instant calls and texts on social media not to miss out on any special events by your loved ones.
Social media is more than that. It is also a good place to watch videos and read blogs during your downtime. These are just some of the many reasons that social media attracts many seniors. Most elders enjoy using social media most of the time for entertainment value and to learn something new.
And if you are looking for a place where to spend a vacation, social media can show a lot of good options. You can avail the best deals from reliable websites.
Seniors might have a hard time understanding everything that has been said. Gladly, online courses are teaching the basics of social media use. It includes tutorials on how to play videos on YouTube and the use of different social media platforms, such as Zoom and Skype for communication.
The Advantages of Social Media Use
As the pandemic took hold of the world, it created distance between individuals, which caused a mental breakdown for some. It was not only the cases of COVID-19 that had increased, but also people who suffer from depression, anxiety, and other mental disorders.
Thanks to social media for helping many people to still communicate with their families and friends. The lockdown separates most families and friendships for a long time. It can be expensive to travel and there are lots of requirements to do.
Social media has made a way to keep people connected despite the distance. Lots of mobile apps allow individuals from different places to chat or call each other. They can talk about a wide range of topics and interests. In other words, social media becomes a safe place to hang out without the worry of getting infected by the virus.
Furthermore, anyone can make friends on social media. It could be risky for teens to meet strangers via Facebook. On the other hand, aged users have the chance to talk with their batchmates once again instead of chatting with new faces. It can also connect people from different parts of the world.
Social media has online groups where people with the same passion and interest meet. Elders can join a certain group easily to relate to and also to meet new friends.
The Downsides of Social Media Use
Of all the good sides of social media for elderly, here is a list of its downfalls that you must be aware of:
- Older people are more vulnerable to fraud. They cannot easily distinguish what is true and what is a scam. Elders are often victims of theft and often targeted.
- Older people may provide personal information on social media that could put them in great danger.
- Social media users can meet individuals that they do not know. They might end up trusting the wrong people.
- Social media can be a distraction that causes them to overlook other priorities.
How to Use Social Media Properly
The dangers that accompany social media should be known to elders. The purpose of these platforms should be clear to them. Remind your loved ones not to post everything on social media and that not everything they see there are facts. This also applies when you share a post; always fact check whether the source is reliable or fake.
Authenticity matters even on social media. There is pressure to reveal personal details to demonstrate how true you are to yourself. That may lead to oversharing details. It is highly advised to only accept friends that make you feel safe interacting with them virtually. Be active in conversation to develop better relationships. One more thing to avoid is to reply to all comments as it is not necessary.
The most common tip for social media users is to think before posting or resharing anything. Bad information may circulate on other platforms after a few minutes that may ruin your reputation. Lastly, use social media for the right purpose which is to inspire others and make or nurture genuine friendships.
Why Social Media Matters to Aged Care Homes
Aged Care provider in Geelong allows their patients to communicate with their loved ones at a certain time. It takes advantage of social media to ease homesickness among the elders. This also reassures the family members that their loved ones are in good hands.
Despite the pandemic, social media plays a significant role to keep in touch with a loved one without limits.
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