Why Do Elderly Not Use Social Media? [Reasons & Statistics]

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Recent surveys and statistics reveal that older adults are becoming more comfortable with social media.

However, while their presence is growing, they primarily stick to Facebook.

If you’re wondering why seniors are less active on other social media platforms, let’s explore the latest data and key reasons behind this trend.

What Percentage of Seniors Use Social Media?

According to the 2023 Tech Trends report by AARP, 88% of 50 years and older adults used at least one social media platform in 2022.

While Facebook and YouTube remained their favorite social media networks, Instagram and TikTok also showed significant growth.

The survey also indicates that adults aged 50 and older are increasingly using social media to stay connected with others.

In fact, social media is used more frequently than video calls and about as often as email for communication—a trend that remained consistent from 2020 to 2022.

Pew Research studied social media use among older adults for more than a decade.

According to Pew Research’s 2022 report, although seniors do not use social media as much as younger consumers, their usage significantly increased from 2010 to 2021.

When looking at the numbers, it’s clear that more older adults are embracing social media, reflecting a growing comfort and acceptance among seniors.

However, trends show that adults aged 65 and older are adopting social media at a slower pace compared to those in the 50–64 age group.

Older Generation and Social Media – The Statistics

Now, let us look at the different social media platforms usage among seniors, compared to the younger generations.

These numbers reveal that while seniors are active on social media, their usage is largely limited to Facebook and YouTube.

Know more about what social media platforms do seniors use.

5 Key Takeaways from the Latest Surveys and Data

1. Lower Social Media Use Among Seniors – Compared to younger generations, older adults use social media less frequently.
2. Growing Adoption – Despite lower usage, social media engagement among seniors is steadily increasing.
3. Facebook Leads, YouTube Follows – Facebook remains the top choice for older adults, with YouTube as the second most popular platform.
4. Instagram & TikTok on the Rise – More seniors are exploring Instagram and TikTok, and brands are recognizing the value of older TikTok creators.
5. Preference for Visual Content – The popularity of Facebook, YouTube, and the growing use of Instagram and TikTok suggest that seniors enjoy photo and video-based platforms.

Since most seniors use social media to stay connected with family and friends, Facebook remains their top choice.

Its large community allows them to keep up with loved ones’ life updates and reconnect with old friends, no matter the distance.

Why Do Elderly Not Use Social Media? – 7 Reasons

Let’s discuss the reasons why seniors are not using most social media platforms as much as the younger generations.

1: Technology Adoption Gap Between Seniors and Younger Adults

Over the past decade, smartphone and tablet adoption among seniors has grown significantly, closing the gap between older and younger adults.

However, statistics still highlight a noticeable divide in tech usage, particularly between adults under 30 and those aged 65 and older.

Surveys indicate that social media use among older adults is increasing alongside the rising adoption of smartphones and tablets.

Key Barriers to Technology Adoption for Seniors

According to AARP’s 2023 survey, adults aged 50 and older identified the following key barriers to adopting new technology.

• Designed for Younger Users – Many modern devices and technologies cater to tech-savvy younger generations, making them less intuitive for seniors.
• Complicated User Interfaces – Seniors often find technology overwhelming due to complex designs, small buttons, and difficult-to-navigate controls.
• Lack of Training & Instructions – Many seniors struggle with new devices because they lack detailed instruction manuals and hands-on training.
• High Costs & Frequent Upgrades – The price of modern gadgets can be prohibitive, and keeping up with constant updates and new releases is challenging.
• Privacy & Security Concerns – Seniors worry about data privacy, identity theft, and scams, making them hesitant to trust new technology.

There are many other reasons why elderly struggle with technology.

2: Many Seniors Still Prefer Traditional Media

Two of the main reasons people use social media are for entertainment and news. Many seniors still prefer TV and newspapers for entertainment and news.

According to the latest statistics, 50% of 65 years and older Americans are cable subscribers compared to 34% of 18 to 34 years old.

According to Statista, 21% of 65 years and older adults use newspapers as their primary source of news.

Newspaper is among the least-used daily news sources among younger generations.

3: Online Scams and Privacy Issues

According to Consumer Affairs, over 3.4 million older adults fall victim to financial scams each year, resulting in losses exceeding $3 billion.

Scammers primarily exploit phone calls and the internet to carry out these frauds.

Seniors are particularly vulnerable compared to younger age groups, as they tend to be less tech-savvy and may struggle to recognize online scams.

AARP’s survey highlights trust and privacy concerns as major barriers to technology adoption among older adults.

Many seniors worry about identity theft and online security, making them hesitant to engage with digital platforms.

4: Lack of Understanding and Technical Limitations

Some seniors struggle to understand how different social media platforms work and what’s required to use them effectively.

Many lack the technical skills to record videos for TikTok or take high-quality photos for Instagram.

The steep learning curve can be frustrating, leading some seniors to avoid social media altogether, feeling it’s more trouble than it’s worth.

5: They Feel social media is for Younger Generations

Many seniors perceive platforms like TikTok and Instagram as spaces primarily for younger generations and feel they don’t quite belong there.

While most social media influencers are millennials and Gen Z, this is beginning to change. The rise of senior influencers on Instagram and TikTok is reshaping the landscape.

Recent trends indicate that older adults are gradually embracing these modern social platforms, challenging the notion that they are only for the young.

6: They Do Not Understand the Benefits of Social Media Use

One reason many seniors avoid social media is that they don’t see a clear need for it or understand its benefits.

However, social media offers several advantages for older adults, including:

• Staying Connected – Seniors can interact with family and friends they don’t see regularly.
• Reducing Isolation – Engaging in online discussions helps combat loneliness, social isolation, and even depression.
• Entertainment & Hobbies – Social media provides endless entertainment, from videos and music to games and storytelling.
• Following Interests – Older adults can stay updated on their favorite celebrities, fashion, hobbies, and trends.
• News & Learning – It serves as a valuable source of news, educational content, and lifelong learning.

By embracing social media, seniors can stay socially active, entertained, and informed while maintaining connections with loved ones, no matter the distance.

7: Seniors Mostly Use Social Media to Stay Connected

Surveys consistently show that the primary reason seniors use social media is to stay connected with family and close friends. This explains why Facebook remains their platform of choice.

The second most common reason is entertainment, making YouTube the second most popular social media platform among older adults.

These are the 7 main reasons why the elderly do not use most of the social media platforms as much as the younger generations.

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