Information and news use by older adults in social media and messenger apps

Abstract #

With the growing digitization of communication, older adults are increasingly integrating social media and messenger apps into their daily information practices. This article presents a preregistered systematic literature review of English-language publications from 2015 to 2023, offering an overview of how older adults use these digital tools for news and information. Existing studies provide insights into the general adoption of social media and messenger apps among older adults. These studies report that older adults primarily use these services to stay informed about their social circles, while other types of information—such as news—are used more incidentally and are often linked to relational and emotional needs. However, there is a limited understanding of older adults’ specific usage patterns and habits, the content used, and the influence of platform features on engagement. We conclude by identifying areas for further inquiry, including the need for more methodological diversity and theory building, more inclusive conceptualizations of older adults’ roles in today’s information society, and a more nuanced understanding of what it means to use social media and messenger apps for information.

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