Theme 5: Social media connecting families together

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 Social media connecting families together


The use of social media got more and more common after the Corona pandemic among the elderly. As physical distancing measures were implemented, many elderly individuals found themselves isolated from their usual social circles. This isolation prompted a remarkable digital leap, as they turned to social media platforms to stay connected with family, friends, and the broader community. Many elderly people embraced digital tools to bridge the gap created by physical separation. These used tools were for example Zoom, Teams, Facebook as well as WhatsApp. A lot of families used video calls for their benefit as well as other social media platforms to share daily thoughts and activities.

Finnish Pensioners' Federations guide on social media pointed out both the good and the difficult parts of using these digital tools for older people. At first, some seniors had trouble with the technical side of things. They found it hard to understand how to use social media platforms. However, many of them soon discovered the happiness of reconnecting with family and friends online. They also found new hobbies and interests through social media. The guide stressed how important it is for seniors to learn digital skills. It offered useful advice to help them get better at using social media. This advice included tips on how to stay safe online, how to share photos and updates, and how to join online groups and events. By following these tips, seniors could enjoy their social media experience more and feel more connected to the world around them.

I talked to my grandmother about the importance of social media and how she views its benefits. Firstly, my grandmother went to say how difficult it is to keep up with all the new technologies and how different she had it at my age. My grandmother is 80 years old so that is more than understandable. She said that as she gets older things that used to be simple like calling or sending a message are getting harder. So that means that learning new things now would be close to impossible.  

My grandmother did mention that not all her fellow peers are like this. She has a close friend who is also elderly who has a “miniature computer” with her all the time. My grandmother was, at least I think, talking about a bigger smartphone. My grandmother was truly amazed how her friend could do all the things on her phone that she must do on a computer. I offered to help her and show her how she could do those things with her phone also, but my grandmother is satisfied with how she has things now. She said that if she can see the posts her family and friends put up on Facebook and she knows how to call her relatives she is more than happy. 

- Cesilia


Resources:

https://stat.fi/tietotrendit/artikkelit/2021/median-merkitys-on-kasvanut-pandemian-aikana-monet-ikaihmiset-ovat-ottaneet-melkoisen-digiloikan

https://www.elakeliitto.fi/sites/default/files/2018-06/Netikas%202.%20Sosiaalinen%20media_0.pdf



Comments

  1. Nitesh kumar Tharu23 March 2025 at 09:33

    Yeah, Social media has helped many seniors stay connected, with some embracing it while others prefer simpler ways to communicate.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thevnee23 March 2025 at 10:22

    It's quite evident that senior people do not have a higher demand into complex nature of the digital world.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Binita24 March 2025 at 03:29

    Great reflection! It nicely captures how social media has impacted seniors, balancing challenges with positive experiences. Your grandmother’s perspective adds a personal and relatable touch. Well done!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Brenda Ugochi24 March 2025 at 05:58

    I think it's so interesting to see how the senior generation transitioned from printed media, and now to a full blown world of technology and digital media. And it's also interesting to see how they've learnt to cope just fine, even though it's just with minimal usage, like you mentioned.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Emma24 March 2025 at 07:40

    It indeed is amazing to see how they have adapted. But that part of being amazed of friend using smartphone. Same goes with my Nana, but she don't want to learn about it anymore. I did try to teach her couple of times. She didn't quite get into it, maybe teacher wasn't greatest.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Johannes25 March 2025 at 02:36

    I like your positive view on the further developments of digital media and their impact on the people. Amazing also is the open-mindedness of your grandmother to digital media and that she can reflect on this topic in a good way.

    ReplyDelete

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