Paper short abstract:

This study explores how social media reduces loneliness among elderly parents with children living abroad or at a distance. Platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook foster emotional connections, enhancing well-being.

Paper long abstract:

Among the elderly, loneliness has become a significant concern, mainly for those whose children have migrated abroad or are located far away. Social media offer a potential avenue through which these feelings can be reduced by facilitating communication and emotional relationships.This study explores the role of social media in reducing loneliness among separated elderly parents from their children.

With the mixed-method approach, we conducted a survey with 50 elderly residents aged above 60. The data supplementations involved semi-structured interviews of 15 participants. The method of measurement for the survey measures social media use, most popular sites, and self-assessed levels of loneliness by UCLA Loneliness Scale; the interviews collected insights into their digital life.

Results for seniors indicate that there exist crucial roles of WhatsApp and Facebook, helping them preserve emotional connections. Results show that, especially with messaging, video calls,group chats, people can develop connections and prevent issues arising from isolation.

This study finds the potential of social media in reducing elderly people's feelings of loneliness in a transnational and geographically distanced family setting. Hence, suitable senior-friendly digital literacy schemes and accessible online settings require an augmentation of emotional well-being and quality of life among the elderly population.