Seniors’ Perceptions of the Web and Social Networking

This is an examination of social networking and the elderly. Interviews were conducted with seniors and staff of senior care centers to identify current social network usage patterns by the elderly and to understand their perceptions and attitudes towards the Web and social networks. Results revealed that seniors were unfamiliar with social networking and in particular Facebook, but would be open to learning more about this application. Common themes and challenges elders face when using the web and online social networks were identified. The interviews also provided insight into developing a plan of action to help increase the use of online social networking communities by elders. .