Social media can be tricky to navigate as a senior, but it’s a necessary evil these days. Social media is the way to keep in touch with family, keep informed, and be entertained. So, here are 6 easy tips to make social media easier and more fun for you as a senior.

Friends

Making friends is a major appeal of social media for everyone including seniors. There’s no need to be limited by only having friends from your assisted living facility for example. With social media, you can not only connect with old friends but make new ones from all over the world. Here are tips for making friends on social media:

• Join groups or communities related to your interests
• Look for friends in your local area
• Search for friends of friends
• Be aware of fake profiles

Privacy

Privacy is a big concern for many seniors when it comes to social media and for good reason. Privacy dangers for seniors include identity theft, online scams, and fraud. Thankfully, steps can be taken to protect your online presence. Here’s what to do:

• Set your account to private
• Don’t share your personal information
• Don’t accept friend requests from people you don’t know
• Use a strong password
• Update your privacy settings regularly

Apps

There are many great social media apps available for seniors, from general social media apps like Facebook and Twitter to more specific apps like those for seniors living alone.

With all your options, here are some tips for choosing the right social media apps for you:

• Think about what you want to use the app for
• Choose an app that is easy to use
• Check out the reviews before downloading
• Apps can be expensive, so make sure you are aware of the cost before you download

Timing

Another challenge for seniors using social media is figuring out the right time to use it. Some seniors find that they are too busy to use social media, while others feel like they’re not using it enough.

The best way to figure out when is the right time for you to use social media is to experiment a little and see what works best for you. Here are some general tips:

• Think about the time of day you are most active
• Post when your friends are most likely to be online
• Be aware of the impact social media has on your life.

Fake News

Fake news is a major drawback of social media. It can be difficult to distinguish between real news and fake news, especially when it’s presented convincingly.

To avoid being scammed by fake news, try these tips:

• Be skeptical of news that sounds too good to be true
• Check the source of the article
• Report fake news to the authorities

Ads

Getting bombarded with ads is another common disadvantage of social media. Ads can be annoying and intrusive, and they can also be a security risk.

To reduce the number of ads you see on social media, try these tips:

• Disable location tracking
• Disconnect from social media friends who share a lot of ads
• Use ad blocker software
• Refrain from clicking on ads
• Report inappropriate or fraudulent ads.

Social media can be a great tool if you know how to use it. So instead of letting the complexities discourage you, try these easy social media tips for seniors to stay connected, informed, and entertained.