We Must Protect Children but Also Their Grandparents: A Qualitative Understanding of Older Adults’ General Perceptions and Understanding of Social Networks

• Authors: Hedviga Tkáčová , Zdenka Gadušová , Kseanela Sotirofski , Munira Yusupova

Abstracts

EN

Aim. Research on older adults (≥ 60) repeatedly confirms that the use of social networks has a rather positive effect on these users. The indicated trend leads us to the research of older adults with a focus on their motivations and challenges when using social networking sites. Methods. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with twenty-four older adults in Slovakia. The aim was to uncover the deeper processes and details that the members of the selected sample experience when using social networks. Results. The thematic analysis revealed a disproportion between low knowledge of social networks and willingness to use them in theresearch sample (Q1). While older adults rated their knowledge of social networks with a school grade of 4, they do not see this as an obstacle to their increasingly frequent use of social networks. Within the second research area (Q2), a set of seven motivations derived from the use of social networks among respondents were identified. Finally, four main challenges (Q3) were identified in the research. Conclusion. Research findings confirms not only older adults’ growing interest in using social networks, but also the need for adequate media education with a focus on ‘digital citizenship’, which emphasises both, skills and also knowledge. Cognitive value. When using social networks among older adults, their family members are the driving force behind respondents’ understanding (knowledge) and technological progress (practical skills). There is the necessity of advancement of digital competencies of older adults.

Keywords

EN

Older adults; social networks; knowledge level; motivations; challenges; digital citizenship

• Publisher: Fundacja Pro Scientia Publica
• Journal: Journal of Education Culture and Society
• Year: 2023
• Volume: 14
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 297-316

Dates

published

2023

Contributors

author

Hedviga Tkáčová

• Department of Journalism, Faculty of Arts and Letters, The Catholic University in Ruzomberok, Hrabovská cesta 1, 034 01 Ruzomberok, Slovakia

• https://orcid.org/0000000330622284

author

Zdenka Gadušová

• Department of English and American Studies, Faculty of Arts, Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra, Štefánikova 67, 949 74 Nitra, Slovakia

author

Kseanela Sotirofski

• Faculty of Education, University Aleksandër Moisiu Durrës, Lagja nr.1, Rruga e Currilave, 2004 Durrës, Albania

• https://orcid.org/0000000210367696

author

Munira Yusupova

• The Department of Theory and Practice of English Language, Khujand State University named after academician B.Gafurov, proyezd Mavlonbekova, 1, 735700 Khujand, Tajikistan

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Identifiers

DOI

10.15503/jecs2023.2.297.316

Biblioteka Nauki

18741593