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Updated: May 14, 2026
06:58
Highlighting and Reducing the Impact of Negative Aging Stereotypes During Older Adults' Cognitive Testing
Published on: January 24, 2020
Facebook as a site for negative age stereotypes.
Becca R Levy1, Pil H Chung, Talya Bedford
1Address correspondence to Becca R. Levy, Division of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, 60 College Street, PO Box 208034, New Haven, CT 06520-8034.
The Gerontologist
|February 9, 2013
Summary
Social media platforms like Facebook may be fostering ageism. A study found that most Facebook groups for older adults feature negative stereotypes and advocate for their exclusion.
Area of Science:
- Social Sciences
- Gerontology
- Media Studies
Background:
- Ageism is prevalent in many societal institutions.
- The presence of ageism on social networking sites remains unexplored.
- Social media platforms can influence intergenerational perceptions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the existence and nature of ageism in Facebook groups focused on older individuals.
- To analyze the content of these groups for age-based stereotypes and discriminatory attitudes.
Main Methods:
- A content analysis was performed on the "Descriptions" of 84 publicly accessible Facebook groups dedicated to older individuals.
- The study analyzed groups with a total of 25,489 members.
- Demographic data of group creators were also collected, with the mean age category being 20-29 years.
Main Results:
- All but one group "Descriptions" exhibited negative age stereotypes.
- 74% of the group descriptions criticized older individuals.
- 27% infantilized older adults, and 37% suggested banning them from public activities.
Conclusions:
- Facebook groups focused on older individuals frequently perpetuate negative age stereotypes.
- Contrary to its potential for intergenerational connection, Facebook may be creating new age-based barriers.
- The findings highlight the need for further research into ageism in online social environments.
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