Social media warning for the elderly from Medicana Sivas Hospital

In the last nine years in Turkey, internet usage among elderly individuals has increased approximately sixfold. Medicana Sivas Hospital Psychologist Burak Koçkanat stated that digital platforms are both a tool for socialization for the elderly and carry risks that require caution.

With the development of technology, smartphones have become a part of the daily lives of the elderly, following radio and television. Psychologist Burak Koçkanat stated that social media provides significant support for the elderly, who may feel lonely due to reasons such as retirement and children moving to other cities, in terms of video calls and communication.

Koçkanat warned that unconscious use of social media can lead to anxiety, unhappiness, and sleep problems. Pointing out that fraud attempts, especially those using content like 'You have won' or 'Your account has been blocked,' target the elderly, the expert emphasized that support should be sought from family members in suspicious situations.

Regarding misinformation, Koçkanat noted that the elderly may share fake news more quickly due to the urge to protect their loved ones, and recommended that families accompany them in digital literacy rather than distancing them from technology.