Effective Use of Social Media in Public Health

Chapter 2: Gender and age-specific use of social media

Jody L. Vogelzang      Grand Valley State University, Allendale, MI, United States

Abstract

While the consumption of social media is ubiquitous, the specifics of users is much more nuanced. Parents struggle not only with their children's exposure to social media but also need to reflect on their own personal social media habits. Youth are especially vulnerable to online influencers and trollers, who negatively impact the mental health of teens. Older adults became savvy in their social media use during the COVID-19 pandemic, and got adapted to use social media apps such as “Facetime” to keep in touch with their family members during physical distancing measures instituted during ...