INFLUENCE OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF THE ELDERLY- A PILOT STUDY

Rijitha. R; Nikhil Kumar Gouda

doi:10.29121/ShodhVichar.v1.i2.2025.62

Authors

Ms. Rijitha. R Research Scholar, Department of Media and Communication, School of Communication, Central University of Tamil Nadu, Thiruvarur-610 101, India Author
Dr. Nikhil Kumar Gouda Associate Professor and HOD, Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, Central University of Odisha, Koraput-763004, India Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29121/ShodhVichar.v1.i2.2025.62

Keywords:

Social Media, Elderly, Quality Of Life, Uses And Gratifications Theory, Whoqol-Bref, Social Media Use Integration Scale, Chennai District

Abstract

This study examines the influence of social media on the quality of life of elderly individuals, guided by the Uses and Gratifications theory. It focuses on how the elderly engage with social media and the benefits they derive from it. The research aims to provide insights into social media's role in enhancing well-being. Social media engagement will be assessed using the Social Media Use Integration Scale (Lawdermilt, 2020), while quality of life will be measured via the WHOQOL-BREF scale. A structured survey will be administered to 100 elderly residents in the Chennai District to gather data on usage patterns and perceived life satisfaction. The findings are expected to highlight the psychological and social dimensions of social media use among older adults, offering valuable implications for digital inclusion initiatives and elderly care strategies in an increasingly connected world.

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https://chennai.nic.in/

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