RETRACTED ARTICLE: Chinese WeChat users and their behavioural features: A case study based on the grounded theory

Wang, Yanyu; Miao, Jianchun; Huang, Xiao

doi:10.1007/s12144-020-00825-x

Cited by 1 publication

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“…The rapid advancement of digital media - personal computers, tablets, smartphones, and social media – helps engage people in online activities in their daily lives [ 14 ]. For example, listening to music and watching videos, making new friends, shopping, connecting with others, visiting a forum, and ordering food can all be accomplished with the help of digital media in today’s day and age [ 15 , 16 ]. Additionally, digital media have been found to be an efficient means to promote social participation for older adults [ 14 , 17 – 19 ].…”

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Benefits and barriers: a qualitative study on online social participation among widowed older adults in Southwest China

Hong

Kong

et al. 2021

BMC Geriatr

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Background With the development of digital media, online activities are increasingly becoming part of the daily life of older adults. Widowed older adults generally would face changes in social interactions and activities due to widowhood; thus, the importance of online participation may be more prominent in this population. However, a detailed evidence on the experiences of online social participation among widowed older adults is relatively sparse. This study aimed to explore widowed older adults’ perceptions regarding online social participation in southwestern China. Methods This study adopted a qualitative approach. Semi-structured, in-depth individual interviews were conducted with 19 widowed older adults between September–December 2020. Thematic analysis was applied to analyse the data. Results Two major themes, “benefits” and “barriers” were identified from the original data analysis. Subcategories concerning the theme “benefits” were “benefit perception (convenience, flexible time, supplementation)”, “health promotion”, “emotional comfort”, and “social connection”. Subcategories of “barriers” were “worries: personal economic loss”, “concerns: security of digital device”, “troubles: the diversity of online social participation”, and “difficulties: using digital media”. Conclusions Social participation of widowed older adults in southwestern China has begun to be integrated into the digital world; however, it remains at an early stage with the simple purpose of engagement. The older adults may face many challenges for online social participation. Although there are barriers and challenges in online social participation, widowed older adults can reap its benefits, which can be used as an important measure to facilitate a fulfilling life and successful ageing. There is no doubt that online social participation will become a trend within the foreseeable future. Family, friends and health care professionals should pay more attention to the needs of online social participation in widowed older adults and provide adequate support for them to achieve a meaningful life.

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