Examination of Social Media Use of the Adults Over the Age of 50

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine social media use statuses of the adults overthe age of 50. The participants of the study consisted of 98 adults over the age of50 living in Bartin province. Data were collected in face to face environment.Mixed method was utilized in the research. As a result of the research, while therewas no difference in social media usage status of the participants depending ontheir gender, there were differences in social media usage status of the participantsbased on their age groups, working statuses and educational levels. Whenparticipant opinions are examined; it is understood that participants in general usesocial media to follow the agenda/people.When the codes are examined, it isobserved that they mostly refer to usage with communicational/interactional andeducational aims while explaining the reasons for using social media. It isunderstood that participants prefer not to use social media mostly because of lackof technical knowledge and skills. Afterwards, the reasons that thinking it havingno contribution/unnecessary, reasons of health problems, being unattractive andnot being widespread in the past/being not able to get used to were observed amongthe reasons for not using social media.