Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in
Book cover

International Conference on Human-Computer Interaction

HCII 2021: Human Aspects of IT for the Aged Population. Technology Design and Acceptance pp 379–392Cite as

How Do Older Adults Learn Informally via Social Media? A Pilot Study of Chinese Urban Older Adults

  • Conference paper
  • First Online:

Part of the book series: Lecture Notes in Computer Science ((LNISA,volume 12786))

Abstract

With the prevalence of social media among older adults, informal learning via social media has become a common and effective approach for lifelong learning and successful aging. However, little research has summarized older users’ specific needs and behaviors during learning. Especially, little attention has been paid to the need for self-worth, which is crucial to health and well-being but decreases in old age. Therefore, this study conducted interviews with eight older adults in China to understand their needs and behaviors adopted during informal learning via social media. The results revealed four major needs satisfied by informal learning, i.e., practical needs, enjoyment needs, self-worth needs, and social-connectedness needs. We also identified older adults’ cognitive and social behaviors during learning. Especially, the participants emphasized the need for self-worth, but it has not been well satisfied by current social media platforms or much discussed in previous relevant research. Finally, we proposed implications for design and future research about older adults’ informal learning via social media.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution.

Chapter
USD   29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD   39.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD   54.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Learn about institutional subscriptions

References

  1. Reichstadt, J., Sengupta, G., Depp, C.A., Palinkas, L.A., Jeste, D.V.: Older adults’ perspectives on successful aging: qualitative interviews. Am. J. Geriatr. Psychiatry 18, 567–575 (2010)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  2. Ainsworth, H.L., Eaton, S.E.: Formal, Non-Formal and Informal Learning in the Sciences. ERIC (2010)

    Google Scholar 

  3. Xinhua News (新华社): The Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the State Council issued the “Medium and Long-term Plan for the State to Actively Respond to Population Aging” (中共中央国务院印发《国家积极应对人口老龄化中长期规划》). http://www.gov.cn/xinwen/2019-11/21/content_5454347.htm

  4. Jeong, S., Han, S.J., Lee, J., Sunalai, S., Yoon, S.W.: Integrative literature review on informal learning: antecedents, conceptualizations, and future directions. Hum. Resour. Dev. Rev. 17, 128–152 (2018)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  5. Brockett, R.G.: The relationship between self-directed learning readiness and life satisfaction among older adults. Adult Educ. Q. 35, 210–219 (1985)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  6. Statistics Netherlands: More elderly active on social media. https://www.cbs.nl/en-gb/news/2020/04/more-elderly-active-on-social-media. Accessed 02 Feb 2021

  7. Sohu: Analysis Report of “Short Video Mini Programs” for Middle-aged and Elderly People (中老年「短视频小程序」分析报告: 小年糕&早安看看的对比分析_产品). www.sohu.com/a/381003584_114819

  8. Tencent Research Institute (腾讯研究院): 吾老之域: 老年人微信生活与家庭微信反哺. Zhejiang Publishing Group Digital Media Co., Ltd. (浙江出版集团数字传媒有限公司) (2018)

    Google Scholar 

  9. Morrison, D., McCutheon, J.: Empowering older adults’ informal, self-directed learning: harnessing the potential of online personal learning networks. Res. Pract. Technol. Enhanc. Learn. 14(1), 1–16 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1186/s41039-019-0104-5

    Article  Google Scholar 

  10. Burmeister, O.K.: What seniors value about online community. J. Community Inform. 8, 1–12 (2012)

    Google Scholar 

  11. Jin, B., Kim, J., Baumgartner, L.M.: Informal learning of older adults in using mobile devices: a review of the literature. Adult Educ. Q. 69, 120–141 (2019). 0741713619834726

    Article  Google Scholar 

  12. Orth, U., Robins, R.W., Widaman, K.F.: Life-span development of self-esteem and its effects on important life outcomes. J. Pers. Soc. Psychol. 102, 1271 (2012)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  13. Kim, A., Merriam, S.B.: Motivations for learning among older adults in a learning in retirement institute. Educ. Gerontol. 30, 441–455 (2004)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  14. Leen, E.A., Lang, F.R.: Motivation of computer based learning across adulthood. Comput. Hum. Behav. 29, 975–983 (2013)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  15. Xiong, J., Zuo, M.: Older adults’ learning motivations in massive open online courses. Educ. Gerontol. 45, 82–93 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1080/03601277.2019.1581444

    Article  Google Scholar 

  16. Liyanagunawardena, T.R., Williams, S.A.: Elderly learners and massive open online courses: a review. Interact. J. Med. Res. 5, e1 (2016)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  17. Pappas, M.A., Demertzi, E., Papagerasimou, Y., Koukianakis, L., Voukelatos, N., Drigas, A.: Cognitive-based e-learning design for older adults. Soc. Sci. 8, 6 (2019)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  18. Zhou, J., Rau, P.-L., Salvendy, G.: Age-related difference in the use of mobile phones. Univ. Access Inf. Soc. 13(4), 401–413 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10209-013-0324-1

    Article  Google Scholar 

  19. Quinn, K.: Cognitive effects of social media use: a case of older adults. Soc. Media + Soc. 4, 2056305118787203 (2018)

    Google Scholar 

  20. Coelho, J., Duarte, C.: A literature survey on older adults’ use of social network services and social applications. Comput. Hum. Behav. 58, 187–205 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2015.12.053

    Article  Google Scholar 

  21. Hope, A., Schwaba, T., Piper, A.M.: Understanding digital and material social communications for older adults. In: Proceedings of the SIGCHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems, pp. 3903–3912. Association for Computing Machinery, Toronto (2014). https://doi.org/10.1145/2556288.2557133

  22. Brewer, R., Piper, A.M.: “Tell It Like It Really Is”: a case of online content creation and sharing among older adult bloggers. In: Proceedings of the 2016 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems, pp. 5529–5542. Association for Computing Machinery, San Jose (2016). https://doi.org/10.1145/2858036.2858379

  23. Deci, E.L., Ryan, R.M.: Human autonomy: the basis for true self-esteem. In: Kernis, M. (ed.) Efficacy, Agency, and Self-esteem . The Springer Series in Social Clinical Psychology, pp. 31–49. Springer, Heidelberg (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4899-1280-0_3

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  24. Murphy, D., Joseph, S., Demetriou, E., Karimi-Mofrad, P.: Unconditional positive self-regard, intrinsic aspirations, and authenticity: pathways to psychological well-being. J. Humanist. Psychol. 60, 258–279 (2020)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  25. Zhang, J., et al.: Relationship between meaning in life and death anxiety in the elderly: self-esteem as a mediator. BMC Geriatr. 19, 1–8 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-019-1316-7

    Article  Google Scholar 

  26. Ranzijn, R., Keeves, J., Luszcz, M., Feather, N.T.: The role of self-perceived usefulness and competence in the self-esteem of elderly adults: confirmatory factor analyses of the Bachman revision of Rosenberg’s Self-Esteem Scale. J. Gerontol. B Psychol. Sci. Soc. Sci. 53, P96–P104 (1998)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  27. Tafarodi, R.W., Swann, W.B., Jr.: Two-dimensional self-esteem: theory and measurement. Personality Individ. Differ. 31, 653–673 (2001)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  28. Rosenberg, M.: Conceiving the Self. RE Krieger (1986)

    Google Scholar 

  29. Gruenewald, T.L., Karlamangla, A.S., Greendale, G.A., Singer, B.H., Seeman, T.E.: Feelings of usefulness to others, disability, and mortality in older adults: the MacArthur study of successful aging. J. Gerontol. B Psychol. Sci. Soc. Sci. 62, P28–P37 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1093/geronb/62.1.P28

    Article  Google Scholar 

  30. Gu, D., Brown, B.L., Qiu, L.: Self-perceived uselessness is associated with lower likelihood of successful aging among older adults in China. BMC Geriatr. 16, 1–12 (2016)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  31. Okamoto, K., Tanaka, Y.: Subjective usefulness and 6-year mortality risks among elderly persons in Japan. J. Gerontol. B Psychol. Sci. Soc. Sci. 59, P246–P249 (2004)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  32. Yang, Y., Wen, M.: Parental dissatisfaction, health, and well-being among older Chinese adults: the mediating role of self-esteem and feeling useless. J. Fam. Issues 40, 2456–2477 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1177/0192513X19860182

    Article  Google Scholar 

  33. Heine, S.J., Lehman, D.R., Markus, H.R., Kitayama, S.: Is there a universal need for positive self-regard? Psychol. Rev. 106, 766 (1999)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  34. Cai, H., et al.: Tactical self-enhancement in China: is modesty at the service of self-enhancement in East Asian culture? Soc. Psychol. Pers. Sci. 2, 59–64 (2011)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  35. Heine, S.J., Hamamura, T.: In search of East Asian self-enhancement. Pers. Soc. Psychol. Rev. 11, 4–27 (2007)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  36. Heine, S.J., et al.: Divergent consequences of success and failure in Japan and North America: an investigation of self-improving motivations and malleable selves. J. Pers. Soc. Psychol. 81, 599 (2001)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  37. Steger, M.F., Kawabata, Y., Shimai, S., Otake, K.: The meaningful life in Japan and the United States: levels and correlates of meaning in life. J. Res. Pers. 42, 660–678 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jrp.2007.09.003

    Article  Google Scholar 

  38. Schugurensky, D.: The forms of informal learning: towards a conceptualization of the field (2000)

    Google Scholar 

  39. Bennett, E.E.: A four-part model of informal learning: extending Schugurensky’s conceptual model (2012)

    Google Scholar 

  40. Doornbos, A.J., Simons, R.-J., Denessen, E.: Relations between characteristics of workplace practices and types of informal work-related learning: a survey study among Dutch Police. Hum. Resour. Dev. Q. 19, 129–151 (2008)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  41. Mills, L.A., Knezek, G., Khaddage, F.: Information seeking, information sharing, and going mobile: three bridges to informal learning. Comput. Hum. Behav. 32, 324–334 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2013.08.008

    Article  Google Scholar 

  42. Glaser, B.G., Strauss, A.L., Strutzel, E.: The discovery of grounded theory; strategies for qualitative research. Nurs. Res. 17, 364 (1968)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  43. Brandt, Å., Samuelsson, K., Töytäri, O., Salminen, A.-L.: Activity and participation, quality of life and user satisfaction outcomes of environmental control systems and smart home technology: a systematic review. Disabil. Rehabil. Assist. Technol. 6, 189–206 (2011)

    Google Scholar 

  44. Sheldon, K.M., Kasser, T.: Getting older, getting better? Personal strivings and psychological maturity across the life span. Dev. Psychol. 37, 491 (2001)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  45. Pierce, J.L., Kostova, T., Dirks, K.T.: The state of psychological ownership: integrating and extending a century of research. Rev. Gen. Psychol. 7, 84–107 (2003)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  46. Kietzmann, J.H., Hermkens, K., McCarthy, I.P., Silvestre, B.S.: Social media? Get serious! Understanding the functional building blocks of social media. Bus. Horiz. 54, 241–251 (2011)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  47. Andreoletti, C., Howard, J.L.: Bridging the generation gap: intergenerational service-learning benefits young and old. Gerontol. Geriatr. Educ. 39, 46–60 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1080/02701960.2016.1152266

    Article  Google Scholar 

  48. Cucinelli, G., Davidson, A.-L., Romero, M., Matheson, T.: Intergenerational learning through a participatory video game design workshop. J. Intergener. Relatsh. 16, 146–165 (2018)

    Google Scholar 

  49. Carucci, K., Toyama, K.: Making well-being: exploring the role of makerspaces in long term care facilities. In: Proceedings of the 2019 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems, pp. 1–12 (2019)

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgement

This study was supported by China Postdoctoral Science Foundation No. 2020M670362. We thank all those who participated.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China

    Yue Chen & Qin Gao

Authors
  1. Yue Chen
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Qin Gao
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Qin Gao .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Tsinghua University, Beijing, China

    Qin Gao

  2. Chongqing University, Chongqing, China

    Jia Zhou

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2021 Springer Nature Switzerland AG

About this paper

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this paper

Chen, Y., Gao, Q. (2021). How Do Older Adults Learn Informally via Social Media? A Pilot Study of Chinese Urban Older Adults. In: Gao, Q., Zhou, J. (eds) Human Aspects of IT for the Aged Population. Technology Design and Acceptance. HCII 2021. Lecture Notes in Computer Science(), vol 12786. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-78108-8_28

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-78108-8_28

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-030-78107-1

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-030-78108-8

  • eBook Packages: Computer ScienceComputer Science (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation