What Excessive Social Media Means For Older Adults

"Seniors are now among the fastest-growing demographics on social media globally. In the US, adoption among those aged 50 and older has soared, with 90% engaging with such platforms, according to data from AARP, with nearly half of older adults spending over an hour daily on platforms such as Facebook and YouTube. Similar patterns can be seen elsewhere. In Brazil, where the population is highly connected, the percentage of social media users aged 60 and over jumped from 44,8% in 2019 to 69,4% in 2024, according to data from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE). Many seniors discovered digital connection during pandemic isolation, and some never logged off. A number of studies have established links between social media use with positive effects such as higher wellbeing, social support and sense of community."

"On the other hand, studies have been mainly focused on younger users and given that large economies are aging rapidly, the debate is now moving to the downsides of using social media, particularly when it is done so in an excessive way. But, what constitutes as abnormal use of social media among older adults, and what could be the consequences? Potential issues From a cyberpsychology perspective, problematic social media is characterized by compulsive behavior with uncontrollable and excessive use. This could be accompanied by a fear of missing out on something, for example, and even phantom perceptions (like assuming the device is vibrating with notifications when it is not), a Turkish study with seniors has found."

Seniors have become one of the fastest-growing demographics on social media globally. In the US, 90% of people aged 50 and older engage with platforms, and nearly half of older adults spend over an hour daily on Facebook and YouTube. In Brazil, social media use among those 60 and over rose markedly between 2019 and 2024. Many older adults adopted digital connection during pandemic isolation, producing benefits such as higher wellbeing, social support and a sense of community. Concern is rising about excessive, compulsive use, phantom perceptions and the need for research focused on older users.

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