Facebook accounts have been hacked, and it has been used for election interference. Facebook advertisers have access to your data. According to Omnicore statistics, 62% of seniors aged 65 and older use Facebook.
Are you still using Facebook or other social media? Or have you decided not to trust social media and are finding other ways to connect with people?
Using social media can be risky, depending on how you use it. It’s important to be informed!
Let’s explore the dangers and benefits of using social media for people over 60 who want to stay active and sharp as they age.
The Benefits
Provide a Community
Social media lets you connect with others even if you’re often alone at home. You can talk to people from all over the world and even chat late at night with people in different time zones when you can’t sleep.
Anti-Depressant Qualities
Social media can make you feel good by releasing a chemical called dopamine in your brain whenever you use it. This can keep you hooked to your screen because it feels rewarding.
Keep Family Close
Social media is great for staying in touch with family. You can share what you’re doing and keep up with what they’re up to. I’m connected with my family abroad, which wasn’t possible before. We still meet in person once a year, and since we keep up online, we don’t have to spend time catching up on everything during our visits.
Open Window to the World
Social media lets you see what’s happening in the world, even if you mostly see things you’re interested in. It helps you learn more about topics you care about. You can explore different interests without fully committing to them. Also, you can find useful products advertised online that can make life easier.
A Marketing Tool
Social media allows you to promote your small business, share the book you wrote, or spread the word about the organization you care about to a wider audience.
The Risks
But what about addiction? You might wonder about those who are always on their phones while doing other things like riding a bus, walking in a mall, or having dinner at a restaurant.
Yes, Facebook’s quick feedback can be addictive. It gives a constant stream of attention, especially for those feeling disconnected from their passions and creativity.
However, with some awareness, you don’t have to get addicted. You can learn to protect yourself from spending too much time online. You can reduce the risk and avoid becoming addicted to social media.
Restrict Access to Your Account Information
Review your Facebook and other social media settings: You can control who sees your Facebook profile by limiting access to your information, managing what you share with advertisers, and being cautious about responding to posts. When you respond to someone else’s post, your name may become visible to a wider audience or to the public.
Opt for Closed/Private Groups
Join closed groups to share information. The information shared within a closed group stays within the group. You might still see ads, but these are based on the group’s activities.
Keep Private Pictures… Private!
Don’t share photos you want to keep private. Once you post them, they can be used by others in unexpected ways. Remember, Facebook owns the pictures once you upload them.
I joined Facebook to stay in touch with my children and grandchildren. However, my children have limited what they post to protect their kids’ privacy. They don’t want strangers seeing too much of their children online. I respect their decision and now, I get photos and videos through text or email instead.
Limit Your Social Media Time
To avoid spending too much time on Facebook, limit how often you check it. Turn off notifications so you won’t get distracted by sounds.
Decide on specific times during the day to check your Facebook account. Stick to these times and don’t let it consume your whole day.
If you have a business page on Facebook, you can still interact regularly to keep it active. However, don’t let it take over your entire day. Set specific times to work on your business page, like you would set office hours for a job.
