Introduction
A few years ago, the image of a grandmother knitting on her porch or a grandfather telling stories to children was a familiar one. Today, that picture is changing; we often find them absorbed in their smartphones, scrolling endlessly through social media feeds. What starts as a curiosity — to stay entertained or follow family updates — quickly becomes more than a habit. Before they know it, the screen takes over their days, turning into a form of dependency and pushing real-life interactions to the background.
Growing Isolation
Social media creates the illusion of being close to others, yet for many elders, it deepens loneliness. As they spend more time online, they gradually withdraw from family conversations and daily interactions. The phone replaces real visits, and isolation sets in — even as they feel “connected.” Physical health suffers too: fatigue, sleep issues, and stiffness from sitting too long. But the mental toll is perhaps the most worrying.
A World without Familiar Rules
In African culture, elders are traditionally respected and consulted for their wisdom. Their opinions carry weight and are rarely questioned. But online, no one knows their age. They step into a space where social norms are suspended — sometimes hostile, like a digital Wild West. Comments can be blunt, harsh, or mocking. When elders post or react, they expect the same respect they enjoy in real life, but instead may face ridicule or aggressive responses. This disconnection from their usual social status can be deeply unsettling. With age, emotions are harder to manage. Feelings of rejection or humiliation hit harder, and older adults may struggle to bounce back. Stress, anger, and sadness can affect their mental well-being and even worsen chronic illnesses.
Disinformation: A Silent Threat
One of the biggest dangers elders face online is fake news. Used to getting information from trusted sources like radio or newspapers, they often take online content at face value. Social platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook are flooded with false claims, conspiracy theories, and miracle cures. Thinking they’re helping, they share such content — unaware of the harm it may cause. Some refuse medical care because they read a drug is dangerous or believe a disease doesn’t exist. Others fall for financial scams. Without tools to verify information, they become easy targets for manipulation and misinformation.
Scams and Hidden Costs
Elders unfamiliar with digital rules often fall for scams — fake giveaways, suspicious links, identity theft. Many lose money, believing they are responding to something genuine. On top of that, Internet access remains expensive in several African countries, such as Togo. Some spend a large portion of their limited income on data, at the expense of essentials like food or health.
How to Support Them
The goal isn’t to keep them away from social media, but to help them use it wisely. Here are a few ideas: teach them how to spot fake news, encourage real-life conversations and screen-free moments, warn them about common scams, help manage digital spending, guide them in learning digital tools, and involve them in safe, supportive online communities.
Conclusion
Social media should be a tool, not a trap. It’s up to us, their families, to ensure they find connection — not isolation — online.
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