The Digital Engagement of Older Adults
While various governments globally have focused on children and teenagers regarding the regulation of mobile phone usage in schools and social media consumption, older adults represent a demographic particularly susceptible to the addictive design of digital platforms, short videos, and artificial intelligence. Historically, older individuals have largely remained on the periphery of the digital revolution, with the stereotype of the “grandparent” as someone lacking the interest or knowledge to engage with computers being prevalent. However, recent surveys and reports reveal a significant shift in this perception, indicating that older adults are increasingly influenced by digital culture. Despite this, public policy design and scientific research still tend to overlook this demographic.
The reality is that the number of older adults engaging with digital platforms is on the rise. A report from AARP highlights that nine out of ten Americans aged 50 and over have at least one social media account. Specifically, 72% are on Facebook, 34% use Instagram, and 18% are active on TikTok, which may come as a surprise to some. Furthermore, estimates from Statista reveal that individuals over 65 spend an average of 102 minutes per day on social media, with Facebook being their preferred platform, consuming approximately 34 minutes daily.
Changing Media Consumption Habits in the UK
In the UK, while the figures may not be as high as in the United States, they are nonetheless striking. According to a YouGov survey, the percentages of individuals aged 55 and over regularly consuming various media formats are as follows:
- Television (live or on-demand): 81%
- Streaming platforms (such as Netflix or Prime): 54%
- Print media (such as books or magazines): 53%
- Social media (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, etc.): 52%
- Video games: 21%
- Podcasts: 21%
Traditional formats, such as public television (BBC), newspapers, and books, remain popular among those over 55; however, new options are steadily gaining traction. Nearly half of this demographic has a Netflix account, and one in four is engaged with Instagram. A significant contributing factor to this shift is the growing popularity of algorithm-driven content, particularly short video formats. A 62-year-old woman interviewed by BBC News remarked, “It’s addictive. I spend too much time on my phone. I often pick it up without realising, and before I know it, I lose track of time scrolling aimlessly. It’s an epidemic. We are addicted to scrolling.”
The Allure of Vertical Videos and Doomscrolling
Who are these older adults now captivated by vertical videos and doomscrolling? If you were 35 at the end of the 1990s, when the internet began to gain popularity, it is likely that at 65, you continue to use some form of electronic device. However, this only accounts for a fraction of the current excessive consumption among older adults. David Harley, a cyberpsychology expert from the University of Brighton, explains that in the early days of social media, content creation and participatory interaction were much more significant. Over time, these aspects have diminished in prominence, giving way to passive consumption of algorithm-driven content that captures users’ attention.
Similar to other demographic groups, older adults have fallen under the spell of short videos. Survey respondents indicated their preferences regarding video length, revealing that 55% of Generation Z, 45% of Millennials, 34% of Generation X, and 34% of Boomers/Seniors prefer short videos over longer formats. Additionally, the role of artificial intelligence in this trend cannot be overlooked. Data from the Pew Research Center indicates that, while individuals under 50 are far more likely to use chatbots, the usage among those aged 50 to 64 has risen from 25% to 42% in just two years, while those over 65 have seen an increase from 12% to 23% in the same timeframe, with ChatGPT being the preferred system across all demographics.
Understanding Vulnerabilities in Older Adults
Clinical neuropsychologist Stacey Wood expressed concern about this trend, stating, “It’s very worrying. Older individuals may be less aware of the power of algorithms and how they operate… They often struggle to discern what is credible and what is not.” While surveys indicate that younger generations continue to lead in media consumption, experts are particularly struck by the rapid adoption of social media among the Boomer generation. With the user-friendly interface of vertical formats, immediate reward from short videos, and algorithms that quickly adapt to user interests, older adults are increasingly moving away from traditional activities like crossword puzzles and political confession books. It is only a matter of time before they set aside their television remotes in favour of the infinite scroll of Instagram and TikTok.
However, these findings stem from surveys and polls. To understand the effects of this trend and determine whether older adults are more vulnerable than younger individuals to the addictive designs of these platforms, further research will be necessary to provide clearer insights.