PHOTO BY MERAKIST
What Do You Think?
Is Using Social Media a Good Thing for Boomers?
Consider the pros and cons of Boomers who use Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube, then decide
Some say 
Social Media helps older adults:
- Share news and photos with others
- Learn about news in their community
- Reach out to people from their past
- Share and access health information in topic-oriented online discussion groups especially with other people with similar conditions
- Increase a sense of self-competence
- Improve cognitive capacity
- Meet other older adults to date
Some say 
- OK if tailored to a user’s competencies and needs
- OK if the Boomer avoids cutesy widgets and filters
- OK if the Boomer doesn’t care their choices make them seem old
- OK if the Boomer doesn’t write in all caps because the user sees better in all caps
- OK if the Boomer doesn’t misuse crying/laughing emoji
Some argue 
Social Media may:
- Lead to isolation and depression if socializing online replaces socializing in person
- Cause a higher risk of depression in Boomers using social media to compare themselves to others
- Lead to adopting and/or sharing potentially harmful information posted by other users eg layperson advice on medical issues
- Lead to purchasing products Boomers can not afford
- Lead to identity theft if personal data is revealed online
- Lead to robbery if the Boomer’s home address is revealed online
WORKS CONSULTED
Bitner, Richard. “How Dangerous Is Social Media to Seniors’ Well-Being?” Senior News, https://seniornews.com/dangerous-social-media-seniors-well/ Accessed 4 Oct. 2022.