Social media use and well-being among older adults

While older adults (aged 65 years and older) are increasingly using social media, their usage rates still lag those of younger age groups. Social media use has been observed to have some positive effects on older adults’ well-being; however, divergent findings exist depending upon the sample, measures, and methodological approach. This review highlights what is currently known about social media use and well-being among older adults, identifies strengths and weaknesses of current research on this topic, and argues that methodological and content-related research gaps must be closed before researchers can confirm a positive overall effect of social media use in everyday situations for older adults. • Social media use is increasing though not widespread among older adults. • Using social media can help older adults to maintain social connections. • The relationships between social media use and well-being for older adults are not well understood. • Research is needed that uses longitudinal designs and incorporates nuanced measures of social media use. • Identifying when social media use is beneficial vs. not and determining how use varies over time and situations is needed.