An analysis of socioemotional selectivity theory in the context of older adults’ use of Facebook

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study investigated the extent to which the postulates of socioemotional selectivity theory can be applied to the social relations of older adults mediated by the use of Facebook. Participants were 130 older adults recruited at public access services to computers and internet in the city of São Paulo (82.3% female; mean age: 67.9 years; mean schooling: 12 ± 5.4 years) who should have at least one year of Facebook use and a minimum network of 30 contacts. Sociodemographic data, pattern of Facebook use (e.g., frequency of use, network size, self-efficacy, quality of contacts) and data related to key socioemotional selectivity theory-related constructs (i.e., future time perspective and life satisfaction scales) were collected. Structural equation modeling for manifest variables (path analysis) was used to explore the relationships with life satisfaction levels. As predicted by the theory, direct and positive associations were found to age and life satisfaction and direct and negative for age and social network size. Future time perspective remained as a mediator between age and life satisfaction. Socioemotional selectivity indicators such as reduction in network size and enhanced emotional closeness were not associated with life satisfaction. The data suggest that social relations mediated by Facebook may favor other strategies that maximize well-being without necessarily downsizing the social networks or selecting partners according to socioemotional criteria.