Research Highlight
  • Ryerson Research Ethics Board-approved research (REB File Number: 2019-358)
  • Involves online survey that can be accessed on any device and/or an interview
    • Survey questions ask about background/demographic, social engagement, social media use, and psychological well being (approx. 30 min of their time)
    • Interview questions ask about the quality of social media interaction and social engagement (approx. 1 hour of their time)
  • Survey and interview is limited to participants who have used social media for min. 1 year
  • Participation is voluntary and confidential
  • Survey participants will receive $5 compensation and interview participants will receive $15 compensation
Purpose of the survey Investigate the extent to which the usage of social media tools promotes older adults’ offline social activities as well as adults’ cognitive functions and psychosocial wellbeing. The interview focuses on common interface issues faced by older adults in using social medial tools.
Motivation Recent years have witnessed the increasing adoption of social media by older adults as well as a growing number of older adults who feel lonely and depressed. Research studies have reached a consensus on the benefits of offline social activities (e.g., meeting time with family members and friends, neighborhood associations, hobby groups, local event groups, senior citizen clubs, and volunteer groups) on older adults’ cognitive and psychosocial wellbeing. What has not been adequately investigated is the impact of social media use on older adults’ offline social activity engagement (e.g., Luo et al., 2018).
Contact If you are interested in participating in this study, and meet the inclusion criteria (aged 65+ and have used social media for minimum one year), please contact us and mention the “Social Media” study by calling (705) 920-2956 or email [email protected]