The relationship between social media use and mattering for U.S. older adults.
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| Title: | The relationship between social media use and mattering for U.S. older adults. |
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| Authors: | Schuster, Amy M. (AUTHOR), Cooper, Kalvry (AUTHOR), Cotten, Shelia R. (AUTHOR) |
| Source: | Educational Gerontology. Apr2026, Vol. 52 Issue 4, p336-349. 14p. |
| Subjects: | Social media, Psychological resilience, Mental health, Income, Statistical sampling, Questionnaires, Sex distribution, Descriptive statistics, Age distribution, Marital status, Data analysis software, Self-perception, Regression analysis, Old age |
| Geographic Terms: | United States |
| Abstract: | Research on mattering for older adults highlights the significance of social networks for overall wellness, where a lack of social support is associated with a decreased sense of mattering. As older adults experience life transitions like retirement or moving, maintaining social connections may become challenging. Social media use (SMU), can be used by older adults to maintain or expand social connections regardless of location. Prior research examined older adults' SMU and perceptions of mattering but did not account for different types of SMU or dimensions of mattering. Utilizing data with U.S. older adults aged 65 and older (N = 826), SMU was disaggregated into active and passive use with a principal components analysis. Ordinary least squares regression was used to examine associations between dimensions of mattering and types of SMU, controlling for covariates. Active SMU had a positive association with reliance (b = 0.07, SE = 0.02, p =.002). Passive SMU was positively associated with importance (b = 0.14, SE = 0.02, p <.001), reliance (b = 0.14, SE = 0.02, p <.001), and awareness (b = 0.12, SE = 0.02, p <.001). Researchers should consider the nuanced relationship between SMU and mattering as they develop interventions focused on enhancing the lives of older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| Database: | Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection |
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| Abstract: | Research on mattering for older adults highlights the significance of social networks for overall wellness, where a lack of social support is associated with a decreased sense of mattering. As older adults experience life transitions like retirement or moving, maintaining social connections may become challenging. Social media use (SMU), can be used by older adults to maintain or expand social connections regardless of location. Prior research examined older adults' SMU and perceptions of mattering but did not account for different types of SMU or dimensions of mattering. Utilizing data with U.S. older adults aged 65 and older (N = 826), SMU was disaggregated into active and passive use with a principal components analysis. Ordinary least squares regression was used to examine associations between dimensions of mattering and types of SMU, controlling for covariates. Active SMU had a positive association with reliance (b = 0.07, SE = 0.02, p =.002). Passive SMU was positively associated with importance (b = 0.14, SE = 0.02, p <.001), reliance (b = 0.14, SE = 0.02, p <.001), and awareness (b = 0.12, SE = 0.02, p <.001). Researchers should consider the nuanced relationship between SMU and mattering as they develop interventions focused on enhancing the lives of older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| ISSN: | 03601277 |
| DOI: | 10.1080/03601277.2025.2498954 |
