Age and Gender Perspectives on Social Media and Technology Practices during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Few studies have examined social media and technology use during the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada. Therefore, the main research question and objective of this study was to examine similarities and differences in the influences of mobile technology and social media use on Canadians among different age groups and across gender during the COVID-19 pandemic. From June through October 2021, 204 persons completed a 72-item online survey. Survey questions encompassed COVID-19 pandemic experiences and technology use. Standardized measures including the Psychological Wellbeing measure, eHeals, and the UCLA V3 Loneliness scale were collected to examine the psychological influences of the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings showed that males under 50 years were most likely to self-isolate compared to the other demographic results of the study. Males reported using technology less than females but were more likely to report using technology to share information regarding COVID-19. Respondents under 50 years were also more likely to use smartphones/mobile phones as their most used mobile technology device, whereas respondents over 50 were more split between smartphones/mobile phones and computers/tablets as their most used device. Males scored higher on the UCLA loneliness scale and lower on the Psychological Wellbeing sub-scores compared to females. Further research should explore additional demographics in relation to broader aspects of digital skills across different age groups.

Editorial Comment on Internet research of utilization of social media in patients with urological disease and their families in Japan

“…For the appropriate use of SoMe in healthcare, it is important to understand to what extent specific patient populations utilize certain platforms (i.e., YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, …). Factors such as age, gender, as well as cultural differences greatly influence the individual usage behavior 4 . The current survey by Wada et al.…”

“…Factors such as age, gender, as well as cultural differences greatly influence the individual usage behavior. 4 The current survey by Wada et al aimed to shed more light on the use of SoMe among urological patients and their families. Despite the generally older age of urological patients, the authors reported that over 60% of all survey respondents had an account on at least one major platform.…”

Digitalising the built environment for all generations: A new paradigm for equity and inclusive age-friendly cities and communities

“…The built environment encompasses more than just buildings, and encompasses residents, visitors, workers/ commuters, tourists, as well as the social innovation and the lived experiences of the inhabitants of the community be-it rural or metropolitan across the life course, ensuring a 'transgenerational' 7 approach is underpinned. There is a growing body of literature from the perspective of pre-and post-pandemic communities and society [14][15][16] surrounding digital transformation and behaviour, relating to the built environment or in other domains of our daily lives. Digital and eHealth for the future Digital health is of global importance, [17][18][19] and in the context of the home environment, people are now being expected to self-monitor their health and engage with telehealth practices.…”

Impacts of Technology Use on the Workload of Registered Nurses: A Scoping Review

“…The use of technology has become interwoven into the daily lives of many persons, 1 from the use of smartphones and computers to accessing of the Internet and social media platforms. 2,3 The World Health Organization estimates that more than one billion persons require support from assistive technologies, however access to and use of technologies remain fragmented especially for persons living in rural and northern communities. 4 Use of technology can be important for healthcare providers to enhance the health, quality of life, and wellbeing of patients.…”