Facebook: Help or hindrance? A study of the relationship between Facebook uses, gratifications, and depression symptoms in the older adult population
Building on the uses and gratifications theory, this research used online survey to examine the relationship between self reported depression symptoms and the use of Facebook among older adults in Iowa. The purpose of this research was to establish the type of relationship that Facebook use has with those who exhibit depressive symptoms in the population above the age of 65. Existing research has primarily looked at the young adult population, specifically collegeage participants, and the relationship has been found to be negative that Facebook use negatively impacts mental health. This research focused on a different demographic, the older adult population, and the impact that Facebook use has on their mental health. The analysis found that the needs Facebook gratifies the most among older adults are entertainment and interaction based with the most variance explained by social affection and informational gratifications. The results also indicate that Facebook, overall, is more of a hindrance.