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Sebastian Glasper, a Laidlaw Scholar at the University of Leeds, explores social media’s role in mitigating loneliness among older adults.

Research title: What is the role of social media communication in older people's lives and to what extent can it help mitigate loneliness?
 

This study explores the nuanced role of social media and its capabilities in addressing loneliness amongst older adults (ages 65+). Employing an interdisciplinary approach, the study combines insights from media, sociology, psychology, and medical literature to explore the perceptions of older individuals regarding social media. The primary method includes an online survey involving 20 participants, complemented by a thorough literature review that reveals a research gap in qualitative understandings of older adults perceptions of social media’s capabilities.

Findings uncovered five key themes coded within responses: community, distrust, technological disadvantages, verbal communication, and hobbies. The survey also including scaling metrics to provide a more thorough quantitative understanding as social media use for older adults. The examination of social media use highlights a dichotomy, with approximately 80% of respondents engaging with varying degrees of involvement. Reasons for discontinuation or abstention revolve around distrust and technological barriers. The discussion underscores social media's multifaceted role, emphasizing its potential to enhance connections while recognizing its limitations.

In conclusion, social media should be considered a supplementary tool, not a replacement for in-person communication, and there is a significant need for further research to deepen our understanding of the complex dynamics involved in this under-explored field. Results from the study aim to bring awareness to the pressing issue of older adults loneliness, as one in three older adults have frequent feelings of loneliness in 2023 (Malani et al., 2023). Furthermore, as a result of taking a unique approach to the study I have been able to work with the Reimagine Ageing Network within the University of Leeds providing a social sciences and humanities perspectives to what are scientific discussions.

Where did your passion for this research originate?

My ideas for this research originates from a personal place, partly stemming for concerns for the well-being of my own family which was heightened during the COVID-19 pandemic. Witnessing the isolation we all experienced be worsened for older family members due to barriers for connection drove me to want to understand this issue. The continued isolation of many post-COVID-19 (this includes those who were deemed medically vulnerable) combined with the increasing reports of loneliness for all age groups but especially older adults only solidified the importance of the issue to me. Mental health is an individualistic thing, we all have our own story with it, however so many are facing exacerbated struggles because of a lack of avenues for communication. Loneliness the disease can have a profound impact on your physical as well as mental health.

Furthermore, my interest in how digital media influences mental health has roots in my past academic interests. During sixth form, I undertook an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) that delved into the cognitive development of young children (ages 2-6) and how YouTube's algorithms can shape their experiences. This early exploration sparked my curiosity about the broader effects of digital media on mental health across different age groups.

Mental health has been a key part of my life for a long time, it is an everyday process and I am very grateful that everyday it also gets easier. I would hope that my own personal understanding of the issue has in some ways allowed me to bring empathy and compassion to such a personal issue for many. 

What is the most memorable moment from your Laidlaw scholarship experience so far?

The time I almost cried on a mountainside (tad dramatic!). The leadership residential in my first Laidlaw summer was very memorable and yes the Yorkshire Dales mountains will always stick out to me as a challenge physically and mentally. What I remember the most was actually the actions of other scholars in my cohort. The outdoorsy nature of the residential challenged many of us differently and I did not expect my fear of heights to be much of an issue until we got up there. But I still remember how grateful I was for people’s patience and compassion even if they themselves were fine. It was a really small thing but it made me reflect a lot about how many times have I charged ahead without consideration for those behind. Sometimes it is worth taking the slow route together. 

What is the biggest challenge you came across in your research and leadership journeys so far, and what did you learn from it? 

When working with peers, I initially struggled with the notion of relinquishing control and seeking help. I felt compelled to shoulder the burden of responsibility, believing that doing so demonstrated competence and reliability. However, as projects grew in complexity and scope, I gradually realized the limitations of this mindset. There came a pivotal moment when I found myself overwhelmed with tasks, deadlines looming ominously and I came to the rather sudden realisation that I do not need to do it all alone.

After confiding with a friend I was able to look at the situation with a fresh perspective, looking at each task individually rather than an one mass. This experience was a turning point, prompting me to reevaluate my approach to collaboration. I began to recognize that by refusing help, I not only hindered my own progress but also deprived my peers of opportunities to contribute meaningfully. Embracing vulnerability, I started to delegate tasks, trust in others' expertise, and foster a culture of mutual support amongst my friends and colleagues. When I first joined the Laidlaw program in our first residential I labelled independence as one of my greatest strengths, and it is a strength, but we all have limits. Seeking and accepting support is not a sign of weakness but a testament of trust and respect for others. This shift in mindset did not happen overnight - in fact it is still very much happening - but I believe marked a significant moment in my personal and professional growth.

Please provide a short list of bullet points of your top leadership tips

1. Respect, respect, respect.
2. Humour - being a leader does not mean always being serious.
3. Being willing to let your guard down - if you want your team to trust you, you have to trust them.
4. Knowing when your voice is not the most important one in the room.
5. Being open to criticism and also accepting that criticism is not always personal.

Which particular leaders inspire you the most and why?

Honestly I could list about a hundred people who have inspired me personally and professionally, but one that stands out is my close friend and peer Liv Dennington. Liv has shown amazing skills of leadership exercising empathy, kindness and humility in her time as president of Students Against Sexual Harassment and Assault. Although I have only known Liv for a year our time working together and consequential friendship has taught me so much about what it means to be a leader. Liv's ability to navigate sensitive issues with grace and compassion, while driving meaningful change, serves as a constant source of inspiration. Her unwavering dedication to advocacy and her genuine concern for others underscore the transformative power of empathetic leadership. Liv's leadership style embodies authenticity and inclusivity, fostering a supportive environment where everyone's voice is heard and valued.

Briefly describe a scene from the future you are striving to create.

I envision a future where people feel safe. Safety isn’t just about physical security; it includes, emotional, mental and social well-being. It is a privilege many of us take for granted on a day-to-day until we no longer have it. The complexities of ensuring safety in every aspect of life are vast and multifaceted. From the macro level of global security to the micro level of personal relationships, there are countless challenges that threaten the integrity of safety. Three powerful tools to foster safety are kindness, empathy and respect, each can have a ripple effect to create a culture where safety is not just a privilege but a fundamental right.

Over the past year I have been working with a student group tackling issues of sexual harassment and assault. There are hundreds of ways to tackle systemic issues such as violence but undercurrenting all of these are these core values: kindness, empathy and respect. The amazing people I have had the opportunity to work with in this organisation have made me hopeful for this future. Being able to see the collaboration and impact that the student group has, as well as our partner charities, keeps this future in perspective.

What does it mean for you to be a Laidlaw Scholar?

It may be cliché but the Laidlaw Scholarship has been a life changing experience despite only being a year into the programme. Prior to being a scholar I had lots of concerns about the direction of my life, often feeling like I lagged behind peers despite relentless effort. Although, Laidlaw didn't alter my circumstances; it reshaped my perspective on them. Through the program, I discovered that what I perceived as obstacles were in fact advantages. Surrounded by fellow scholars who embody leadership, I've accomplished more than I deemed possible in just this year alone. The program made me realise the value of my own experiences and instilled confidence in my abilities. It's not just about academic or professional advancement; it's about embracing personal growth and realizing my potential to effect change.

Quick-fire Questions

🎥 Currently Binging: Drive to Survive (again)

📚 My top book recommendation: 

The Odyssey by Homer

🎶 My anthem: New Person, Same Old Mistakes - Tame Impala

🎵 Podcast obsession: 

Whale Hunting by Brazen - A good pick if you’re like me and end up doing investigative deep dives into random topic at least once a week. Whale Hunting is hosted by Brazen, a journalism studio, that explores non-mainstream news stories.

🌈 Something that made me feel joy recently: 

I was recently awarded the Student of the Year and Overall Partnership Awards at my university! It was a massive achievement for me and I think I am going to be riding that high for a while.