Social Media Shenanigans: Senior Citizens

The last two years has made maintaining social relationships almost impossible. It has affected humans across generations and there doesn’t seem to be an end in sight. Social media provides us with the means to engage in meaningful contact bridging the gap between teens, tweens, family, neighbours and colleagues allowing our worlds to colourfully intersect on a daily basis. Of course this can be a messy process considering how different generations can butt heads when face to face but it provides an opportunity to share information, skills and stories across a generational divide. It’s a veritable bundle of mixed blessings.

Older adults are living alone more and more, without family support. Research indicates that the elderly who are active on social media have experienced positive effects with their overall health. The older folk particularly enjoy online health forums!

Still, this is a tool that many elderly struggle with. They come with a rich history of modest and polite behavior. They often feel that announcing triumphs and posting photos online is boastful and embarrassing. However, the older folk seem to have got the hang of it and enjoy the benefits of valuable interaction with family and peers.

If you do have elderly parents or grandparents who have active online lives, perhaps its wise to have some open discussions with them about some of the dangers.

Warn the elderly about disinformation/misinformation and the risks with spreading fake news

Remind your seniors that not everything that’s posted will be the truth. Caution them to take the time to question posts that seem fanciful and inconceivable. Just because a friend or family member shares something doesn’t mean its true. Seniors tend to share things readily if they feel scared or wronged so make sure they understand they could unwittingly be sharing false information. Encourage them to check in with you regularly so that you can double check facts for them.

Warn the elderly about fraud

Seniors are usually more trusting and polite and cybercriminals do not discriminate based on age. In fact they are more likely to prey on older people because of their willingness to trust. The elderly lose millions every year and end up in financial ruin after being swindled by a ‘new’ friend.

Warn the elderly about their privacy and show them how to change privacy settings

Although the elderly would love to consider themselves tech savvy and in control of their social media accounts, make it your duty to check on them and make sure that they are not opening themselves up to an attack by a cybercriminal. Most platforms and sites offer their users sound privacy settings. It may however not be easy to find and some older folk don’t even consider it a necessity. It’s your job to make it a necessity on their behalf.

Warn the elderly about Cyber bullying

Unfortunately a cruel reality even with senior citizens, they are often targeted by savage youngsters who feel the need to show seniors that they don’t belong on social media platforms. It will affect them negatively and can cause psychological damage. Very often, they choose to not discuss it or report the abuse to their families. Make sure your elderly know that they can report inappropriate behavior and comments and reassure them that social media platforms are for the use of all responsible Netizens.

My final thoughts on this would be:

• Do take the elderly under your wing and educate them about online behavior

• Do encourage them to use common sense and follow their instincts

• Do check in on them regularly and keep them updated on new scams and online trends.