Photo by MART PRODUCTION

• Social media causes mental health struggles for young people, but is it the same for older people?  
• An aging population globally, reduced social ties, and the threat of pandemics and poor weather forcing people indoors means more time on social media for people of all ages 
• Social media is even worse for over 50s than it is for the young, new research from IIM Indore reveals 

In recent years, with friends and family units living all over an increasingly interconnected world, not to mention pandemics keeping people inside, social media has become a lifeline for many when it comes to maintaining key connections and reducing loneliness. 

But for Americans over 50, the reliance on digital networks carries creeping hidden costs to mental health, especially during times of crisis and stress (such as an isolating pandemic). 

A study from the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Indore, led by Professor Himanshu Rai, who is also the Director of the institute, has revealed how social media use among over 50s is linked to increased feelings of depression and loneliness. This has troubling implications for a rapidly aging global population. 

An aging population 

Globally, the proportion of people aged 65 and older is set to more than double by 2050, rising from 9% in 2019 to 16%.  Aging populations face unique challenges, including higher rates of social isolation and loneliness, which are well-documented contributors to health issues such as depression, dementia, and even premature mortality.  

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), loneliness and social isolation can be as damaging to health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. WHO has even declared loneliness a ‘global public health concern’. 

Over 50s have increasingly turned to social media as a compensatory strategy when in-person socialising is off the cards. Although over 50s still use these platforms less frequently than younger adults, the trend is clear: over 50s are spending more time online than ever before.  

Professor Rai’s research warns that, while digital engagement may help maintain social connections, it often fails to substitute the benefits of face-to-face interaction, and in some cases, it may even make mental health issues worse. 

Passive vs. active social media use: a key distinction 

The mental health effects of social media largely depend on how it is used. Studies have differentiated between active engagement, which includes posting content and actively interacting with friends, and passive engagement, which involves scrolling and consuming content without interaction. Research generally suggests that active engagement can reduce feelings of loneliness by fostering a sense of belonging and connection, whereas passive engagement, often leads to negative feelings such as envy, inadequacy, and depression, particularly as users compare themselves to others’ carefully curated online personas. 

However, Professor Rai’s study revealed something unexpected – and potentially unwelcome: among people over 50, both active and passive social media use were associated with increased levels of depression during periods of heightened stress, such as the hyper-isolating COVID-19 pandemic. 

Pandemics and “touch starvation” 

The COVID-19 pandemic amplified the social isolation of older adults as lockdowns and social distancing measures became widespread. For those already at risk of loneliness, restrictions on gatherings, hugs, and even casual physical contact intensified the sense of isolation. Psychologists warn that this deprivation of physical connection can lead to “touch starvation,” a phenomenon that is particularly detrimental to mental health in older adults. 

Bad for the young, too 

The mental health impacts of social media are, naturally, not confined to older adults. Numerous studies link heavy social media use among younger people to rising levels of anxiety, depression, and loneliness, with mental health professionals pointing to a tipping point around 2010—the year smartphones became ubiquitous.  

According to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS), the number of children receiving treatment for mental health issues has surged in recent years, and this trend can be found across the world, suggesting that young people, like older adults, are vulnerable to the mental health risks associated with social media’s passive, addictive, endless “doom scrolling” consumption model. 

Health and loneliness 

The consequences of social isolation and loneliness are severe, especially for older adults. Studies have found links between loneliness and a range of physical and mental health issues. While social media may offer some benefits, it cannot replace face-to-face interaction, which has been shown to release oxytocin—a hormone associated with happiness and well-being. 

As social media continues to play a growing role in the lives of older adults, it is crucial for individuals and society to develop powerful strategies to mitigate its harms and foster in-person joy-having. 

Mental health professionals suggest that rather than eliminating social media use altogether, over 50s should be encouraged to adopt a balanced approach. This includes using social media as a tool for staying informed, maintaining contact with loved ones, and joining communities, while also prioritizing real-world interactions whenever possible. 

Encouraging physical activities, group gatherings, and community engagement could help counteract the mental health risks that arise from overreliance on digital interactions in all age groups, but especially for over 50s. 

Social media platforms themselves could take steps (or be made to by government legislation) to foster positive mental health outcomes among users. Features designed to encourage meaningful interactions over passive consumption could help make online spaces more supportive. 

Education campaigns aimed at older users could provide guidance on setting boundaries around social media use, avoiding passive scrolling. 

The perils of social media  

For Americans over 50, social media offers powerful ways to stay connected, but it is a tool that requires careful use. Professor Rai’s study underscores the complexity of social media’s impact on mental health, particularly during times of crisis. While digital connections can serve as a temporary stand-in for in-person contact, they cannot replace the benefits of in-person socialising. 

As the global population ages, understanding and addressing the mental health implications of social media for older adults will be essential. A balanced approach which combines digital engagement with a heavy emphasis on real-world connections may be the key to fostering healthier, more connected lives for generations. 

Enjoyed this article? You might like this…