How social media use and abuse are related to social cognition and loneliness in older adults

Social media (SM) offers older adults new avenues for social interaction, yet its relations to social cognition remain unclear given its fundamental differences from face-to-face communication. This study examined how SM use and abuse relate to social cognition, cognitive functioning, and loneliness in older adults. A total of 529 participants aged 60–89 completed online measures of social cognition, cognitive functioning, loneliness, and social support, along with assessments of SM use and abuse. Four main findings emerged. First, greater SM use and SM abuse were both associated with poorer social cognition. Second, SM abuse, but not general use, was associated with lower cognitive functioning, particularly among adults aged 65 and older. Third, SM use was related to reduced loneliness via higher social support; however, loneliness also strengthened the association between SM use and SM abuse. Fourth, women tended to both use and abuse SM to a greater extent than men. These results suggest that SM might be a double-edged sword for older adults: moderate use is related to social connectedness and lower loneliness, whereas excessive or addictive use is linked to declines in cognitive and social functioning. The findings highlight the need to distinguish between normal and problematic SM engagement and to promote healthy digital habits among aging populations.

URI

https://bradscholars.brad.ac.uk/handle/10454/20968

Version

Accepted manuscript

Citation

Kong Q, Ruffman T, Phillips LH et al (2026) How social media use and abuse are related to social cognition and loneliness in older adults. European Journal of Ageing.

Link to Version of Record

https://doi.org/10.1007/s10433-026-00925-w

Type

Article