NABET, NABET 2018 Conference

Font Size: 
Online Seniors Social Network Site Activity, Social Capital, and Social Support
Roderick Lamar Lee, Rhoda C. Joseph

Last modified: 2018-09-10

Abstract


The global population of aging adults continues to increase at a rapid rate.  Aging adults tend to experience major life changes (e.g. retirement, mobility issues, moving to retirement communities, etc.) that result in disruptions in their social networks.  The negative consequences include social isolation.  Despite a growing body of research on older adults social network site (SNS) use, scholars have not fully explored how online seniors appropriate SNS in order to maintain social relationships and access social benefits (i.e., social, emotional, and informational support). In order to address this problem, this study examines the relationship between online seniors SNS activity, SNS features, and the social benefits derived from bonding and bridging forms of social capital.   We conclude with implications for research as well as a broader understanding of how SNS can better be designed to support the development and maintenance of social capital of older adults.


Keywords


Social Network Sites, Social Capital, Social Support, Aging Adults