Behavior, verication of information and creation of content on social
networks by Seniors. The case of Segovia (Spain)
Comportamiento, vericación de información y creación de contenido en
redes sociales por seniors. El caso de Segovia (España)
doxa.comunicación |
nº 41, pp. 417-445
| 417
July-December of 2025
ISSN: 1696-019X / e-ISSN: 2386-3978
How to cite this article:
Gil Quintana, J. and Bernal Bravo, C. (2025). Behavior, verication of information and creation of content on social networks by Seniors. e case
of Segovia (Spain).
Doxa Comunicación
, 41, pp. 417-445.
https://doi.org/10.31921/doxacom.n41a2777
Javier Gil Quintana.
PhD in Education, cum laude and extraordinary award (UNED). Graduate in Teaching (University
of Valladolid); Master’s Degree in Digital Technologies and Knowledge Society and Master’s Degree in Communication
and Education on the Net (UNED); expert in media analysis, digital production and free software (UNED). He has
collaborated with teacher training centers in the eld of digital learning, active methodologies and gamication. He
has worked as a director and teacher in dierent public centers of Infant and Primary Education, developing innovation
projects and receiving various awards for his work. He is an associate professor at the Faculty of Education at UNED.
He has 54 publications in high impact journals, 40 chapters and 21 books in SPI publishers. He has been principal
investigator of the project ‘Media Literacy for all’ and the project ‘Media Literacy for senior European citizens’ both
of the European Commission. He has been part of the research team of projects such as ‘Transliteracies, transmedia
competencies, and informal learning strategies in adolescents’ of the Universitat Pompeu Fabra of Barcelona,
‘Interculturality through Digital Educational Media’, ‘YouCheck’, ‘MOOC! MOOC! Chemistry Made in Spain’, etc. He is
Principal Researcher of the Group ‘Social Media and Inclusive and Ubiquitous Media Education’ (SMEMIU) at UNED.
Rey Juan Carlos University, Spain
[email protected]
National Faculty of Distance Education, Spain
[email protected]
ORCID:
0000-0003-0326-2535
Cesar Bernal Bravo.
Professor at the Rey Juan Carlos University (URJC) in the area of Social Sciences Teaching, formerly
a TU in the area of Teaching and School Organization (University of Almería). Due to this change of area and university
–motivated by family circumstances– he has a dual research prole. On the one hand, he maintains his prole as an
expert in teaching innovation in the eld of ICT, as well as in the eld of student and program assessment. On the other
hand, he opens lines of research in the elds of digital citizenship, education for democracy, and heritage education.
He is the IP of Research Group 348 “Laboratory of Innovation and Applied Teaching” (Madrid R&D Plan). He also
maintains his collaboration as a member of the Comunicar Group, a veteran collective in Media Literacy, since 2009.
He is a founding member of the Communication and Society Research Center (CYSOC) at the University of Almería.
Permanent member of the Chair of Education in Emerging Technologies, Gamication, and Articial Intelligence
(EDUEMER) at Pablo Olavide University. Collaborator of the UNESCO Chair in Democracy, Global Citizenship, and
Transformative Education (DCMET) at the University of Quebec, Canada.
Rey Juan Carlos University, Spain
[email protected]
ORCID:
0000-0002-2802-1618
is content is published under Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License. International License CC BY-NC 4.0
<p>[Enlace de URL / hc (has AS)]</p>
<p>[Enlace de URL / hc (has AS)]</p>
<p>[Enlace de URL / hc (has AS)]</p>
<p>[Enlace de URL / hc (has AS)]</p>
<p>[Enlace de URL / hc (has AS)]</p>
<p>[Enlace de URL / hc (has AS)]</p>
<p>[Enlace de URL / hc (has AS)]</p>
<p>[Enlace de URL / hc (has AS)]</p>
<p>[Enlace de URL / hc (has AS)]</p>
<p>[Enlace de URL / hc (has AS)]</p>
<p>[Enlace de URL / hc (has AS)]</p>
418 |
nº 41, pp. 417-445
|
July-December of 2025
Behavior, verication of information and creation of content on social networks by Seniors. The case of Segovia (Spain)
ISSN: 1696-019X / e-ISSN: 2386-3978
doxa.comunicación
1. Introduction
A social network is a set of people and their relationships, with whom they maintain feedback and establish a social context
of communication (Santoveña-Casal, 2020). e post-digital society cannot be understood apart from these relational
spaces that congure it and that have broken down traditional barriers, establishing new communicative nodes between
related proles or social groups that interact continuously as prosumers without limits of time and space (Gil-Quintana,
2023). Although these social networks are usually associated with youth or adolescence, in Spain, according to data from
the INE in 2024, only 20% are under 25 years of age. In contrast, 41% of these people are between 25 and 44 years old, a
trend that has been increasing in those over 44, representing 37%.
e utilization of the Internet (Campaña and Ortega, 2021) and specically social networks, has permeated all stages of
human life, including adulthood and, notably, the elderly population aged 60 years and older (Balseca, Carrillo, Merchan,
and Moreno, 2019), which constitutes the majority demographic in developed countries (Domènech, 2019). e intensive
use of new social spaces by seniors is inuenced by personal factors such as behavior combined with the motivation to stay
connected, learn and share experiences or knowledge.
Recibido: 19/09/2024 - Aceptado: 10/05/2025 - En edición: 27/05/2025 - Publicado
Resumen:
La investigación presentada en este artículo analiza cómo el sector seniors
de Segovia se comporta en las redes sociales, evaluando su capacidad para
gestionar información, crear contenido y percibir seguridad en estos entor
-
nos. Además, se examina su habilidad para manejar estafas y fraudes, y
cómo su comportamiento virtual afecta la creación y percepción de con
-
tenido. El estudio exploratorio emplea un método mixto para un análisis
integral, que combina enfoques cuantitativos y cualitativos a través de 318
personas encuestadas y 13 entrevistadas. Los resultados revelan que las
redes sociales pueden empeorar o poner en riesgo al sector senior, según
cómo interactúan con ellas. En Segovia, WhatsApp es la red más utilizada
por los seniors, seguidas de Facebook e Instagram. Su uso diario supera las
dos horas, con mayor competencia mediática, dentro de este sector, en los
más jóvenes. La conanza en la información varía según la edad y, a ni
-
vel de creación de contenido, las mujeres son más activas que los hombres,
aunque destacan ellos en las edades más avanzadas. Se incide en la impor
-
tancia de la alfabetización mediática en el aprendizaje para toda la vida
con el n de mejorar sus competencias técnicas y críticas, promoviendo una
ciudadanía más formada y participativa.
Palabras clave:
Alfabetización mediática; redes sociales; desinformación; comporta
-
miento social; envejecimiento.
Received: 19/09/2024 - Accepted: 10/05/2025 - Early access: 27/05/2025 - Published:
Abstract:
An analysis of the behavior of senior citizens in Segovia on social
networks is presented in this research, evaluating their ability to
manage information, create content, and perceive security in these
environments. eir virtual behavior also aects how content is created
and perceived, as well as how they deal with fraud and scams. e
exploratory study uses a mixed method for a comprehensive analysis,
combining quantitative and qualitative approaches through 318
respondents and 13 interviewees. As the results indicate, social media
can either worsen the situation or place seniors at risk, depending on
how they interact with them. In Segovia, WhatsApp is the most widely
used social media network among seniors, followed by Facebook and
Instagram. Among the youngest, daily usage exceeds two hours, with
greater media competition within this sector. e level of condence
in information varies by age, and women are more active than men
when it comes to creating content, while men excel in older age groups.
e study highlights the crucial role of media literacy in promoting
lifelong learning and enhancing technical and critical skills, thereby
contributing to a more educated and engaged citizenry.
Keywords:
Media literacy; social networks; misinformation; social behavior; aging.
doxa.comunicación |
nº 41, pp. 417-445
July-December of 2025
Javier Gil Quintana and César Bernal Bravo
ISSN: 1696-019X / e-ISSN: 2386-3978
| 419
is mixed-methods research focuses on analyzing, at a local level, how the senior sector in the province of Segovia (Spain)
interacts in social networks, assessing their ability to manage information, create, share content, etc., and their perception
of reliability and security in these environments. e study also presents their behavior in contact management, interaction
in new media and their ability to recognize and handle threats such as scams and fraud. e aforementioned reports speak
of general data for Spain, even detailing some provinces, forgetting the more local and less densely populated territories,
such as the province of Segovia. e use of social networks by the senior sector is an action that involves a dynamic cycle
of behavior, information verication, and content creation, making its analysis important in provinces with an older
population. In this cyclical order of ideas, virtual behavior inuences how this population group in the province of Segovia
consumes and perceives information. e ability to verify aects the amount of content this sector creates and shares, as
well as how the content they have created impacts, to a greater or lesser extent, their virtual and analog communities, in
addition to inuencing this group’s perception of a given information source.
1.1. State of the eld
e use of social media in Spain by people over 60 is reected in the fact that 12% of social media users in Spain are
between 55 and 64 years old (55.6% women and 43.4% men) and 8.2% are over 65 years old (57.3 women and 42.7 men)
(Una Vida Online, 2024). Platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and WhatsApp are widely used (IAB Spain,
2023). Specically, the senior sector, the focus of our study, use Facebook and YouTube more because of their more user-
friendly interfaces and variety of content. Facebook was used by 10% of the over-65s, rising to 11% by 2022 (e Social
Media Family, 2021). However, other social networks such as Instagram had 37% of users aged between 40 and 64, but
no information on older people was provided in this report. In addition, no data is available for social network X, while
LinkedIn has 2% and TikTok has 8% of people over 55.
e senior sector, amid this complex communication landscape, is becoming susceptible to misinformation, highlighting
the need for literacy in fact-checking and identifying false news, in addition to the use of social media (Pino and Arréguez
Manozzo, 2023; Teruel Rodríguez, 2023; Tejedor, Romero-Rodríguez, and Gracia-Villar, 2024). Regarding the level of trust
in Internet use among people aged 65 to 74 in Spain, it is noteworthy that 38% report having little or no trust, 55% say they
have a fair amount, and only 6% express a high level of trust. is latest study carried out by the INE in 2024 indicates
that, in the 65-74 age group, the following actions have been carried out: 80% have used the Internet in the last 3 months
and 24% have made purchases; the use of messaging services such as WhatsApp and making video calls has increased by
76%. which becomes a powerful means of expressing one’s own identity, sharing life experiences and contributing to the
enrichment of certain virtual communities.
To study media consumption, it is not enough to analyze it solely on the Internet or on social media. Data on media
consumption among the elderly indicates that 90% of the population over the age of 74 watched television in 2023, compared
to less than 75% among those aged 14 to 24. Among the elderly population, 17% preferred Antena 3, 12.7% Telecinco, 10%
La 1, 5% La Sexta, 4% Cuatro, and 4% La 2 (Statista, 2023). is data adds to the general increase in television consumption
in Spain compared to 2022, reaching an average of 190 minutes per day. Regarding newspaper reading, 18% of readers are
between 55 and 64 years old, 11% between 65 and 74 years old, and 7% are over 74 years old. Another media on the rise
420 |
nº 41, pp. 417-445
|
July-December of 2025
Behavior, verication of information and creation of content on social networks by Seniors. The case of Segovia (Spain)
ISSN: 1696-019X / e-ISSN: 2386-3978
doxa.comunicación
after the COVID-19 pandemic is the cinema, where the over-74s have increased their consumption by more than 2%. ese
media continue to provide not only information, but also ‘background, consequences, cause-eect relationships, interests
involved and various perspectives or points of view’ (Iniesta Alemán, Macho-Iglesia, and Segura-Anaya, 2023, p.54) which
construct the social imaginary.
In this media context, the senior sector is vulnerable (Bunbury, Pérez, and Osuna, 2022), as it is an environment where
ageist actions are projected (Chulián Horrillo, Valdivia-Salas, and Páez, 2024). For this reason, media literacy is essential,
as it provides the necessary tools to improve their quality of life, their health (Vicente, 2022), reduce the digital divide
(Arroyo-Menéndez, Gutiérrez-Láiz, Criado-Quesada, 2022) or the dangers of new media (Kosir and Strumbelj, 2024). is
is an eective formative process that can help them navigate more condently and safely in the digital environment, reduce
their susceptibility to fake news and improve their engagement (González and Padilla, 2018; Bernal-Bravo and González-
Andrio Jiménez, 2024). Media literacy in old age can promote active aging (Havighurst, 1963; Zambrano and Arcentales,
2024), healthy (Gasiorek, Fowlery, and Giles, 2018; Wan and Du, 2024) and an improvement in quality of life (Román,
Pérez, and Tadeu, 2021). Media education can provide tools for continuous learning and civic engagement in social media
(Xie and Jaeger, 2008; Xie, 2021; Monge-Valverde, Chiliquinga-Véjar, and Santamaría, 2024), mitigate the eects of aging
(Bernhold, 2020), loneliness or isolation (Nguyen et al., 2020), and even promote physical, spiritual, and emotional well-
being (Roldan-Ramírez, Díaz-Sánchez, and Andrés-Vargas, 2023). Training should be adapted to the specic needs of the
target group, taking into account previous learning experiences with the new media (Xie and Jaeger, 2008). At both national
and local levels, there are noteworthy initiatives aimed at developing media competences, with particularly positive
evaluations in Spanish provinces where ageing is more pronounced and the concept of ‘Empty Spain’ is especially relevant.
In the province of Segovia (Spain), the context in which the sample of our study is located, it is important to highlight that
both public and private institutions are carrying out noteworthy media literacy projects within a setting characterized by
a widespread rural population. e University of Valladolid, Segovia Campus, not only leads Media Education and Digital
Competence Congresses for all audiences, but also through the Inter-University Experience Programme, where attendees
receive interdisciplinary training; also the National University of Distance Education with its UNED-Senior project. e
Segovia Provincial Council has created a Centre for Research and Social Innovation (CIIS), a knowledge-sharing community
that produces a number of reports and publications, including the latest related to the ‘Guide on responsible and safe use
of technology’ (CIIS, 2024) aimed at the residents of rural towns in the province, most of whom are over 60 years old; this
center is complemented by other actions of this institution such as ‘Classrooms for Older Adults’ or ‘Senior Classrooms’.
Caritas also joins as an NGO to train vulnerable people on internet connectivity, devices and training through the ‘Caritas
T-Forma’ programme and the ‘Caritas more digital’ project. In formal educational contexts, the ‘Mentor Classrooms’ of the
Adult Education Centers stand out, as well as the conferences and seminars oered in these spaces. Other associations
such as Rural Women and Solidarity Action Collectives have developed the ‘Seniors and ICTs’ programme with the aim of
improving the quality of life, social relations and independence in the use of social networks.
We cannot overlook other national proposals that have an impact at local level, such as those promoted by Foundations
such as la Caixa with its ‘Older Adults’ program, Cibervoluntarios with ‘Connected’, Vodafone with ‘Great digital experts’,
Orange with ‘Connect Seniors’, Spai with its ‘Connect Network’; Telefónica Seniors Association with various training
doxa.comunicación |
nº 41, pp. 417-445
July-December of 2025
Javier Gil Quintana and César Bernal Bravo
ISSN: 1696-019X / e-ISSN: 2386-3978
| 421
proposals, and other initiatives of the Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration of the Spanish Government or
the National University of Distance Education.
Media and Information Literacy (MIL) can be promoted in formal and non-formal educational contexts through the
acquisition of technical, cognitive, social, civic, ethical and creative competences and skills to deal with today’s media,
to produce content and to understand more critically the information received (UNESCO, 2023). Media literacy and
media education is crucial for citizens to acquire the ability to access, analyze, evaluate, create and act using all forms of
communication. is process contributes to social well-being and the strengthening of democracy by promoting a more
educated and critical citizenry (Mihailidis and evenin, 2013), especially at stages of life where vulnerability is most acute.
2. Methodology
is exploratory study has been based on a mixed method, combining both quantitative and qualitative approaches in order
to gain a more complete understanding of the phenomenon under study, complementing and reinforcing the ndings, as
well as taking advantage of the strengths of each approach (Blanco and Pirela, 2022). e idea is to take advantage of the
strengths oered by both techniques and their corresponding instruments to address the objectives and hypotheses, and
to this end the categories of the analysis of results will incorporate a concurrent design of the data collected. In this type of
study, systematic, empirical and critical research approaches are compiled, analysed, integrated and discussed together as
a linkage of systematic, empirical and critical research approaches (Acosta Faneite, 2023), pathways to acquiring knowledge
in social sciences (Hernández-Sampieri and Mendoza, 2018).
2.1. Objectives and hypotheses
e general objective of this mixed research is to study how seniors interact in social networks, assessing their ability to
manage information, their participation in the creation of content and their perception of reliability and security in these
virtual scenarios. e specic objectives of the study are as follows:
Ob1: To study the perception of the reliability of information received through social media among seniors.
Ob2: To analyze the behavior of seniors regarding contact management and interaction on social media.
Ob3: To investigate the ability of seniors to recognize and manage threats on social media, such as scams or fraud.
Obj4: To examine how seniors create and share content on social media.
Based on the general objective and the specic objectives, the following hypotheses are presented:
H1: Seniors who are more involved are more critical of the reliability of the information consumed.
H2: ere is a positive relationship between seniors’ trust in traditional media and their perception of the reliability of the in
-
formation provided by these, compared to that received through social media.
H3: Seniors’ ability to identify threats, such as scams or frauds, is related to their perception of safety when using those same
social networks.
422 |
nº 41, pp. 417-445
|
July-December of 2025
Behavior, verication of information and creation of content on social networks by Seniors. The case of Segovia (Spain)
ISSN: 1696-019X / e-ISSN: 2386-3978
doxa.comunicación
2.2. Sample
Segovia is one of the 209 municipalities of Segovia, in Castilla y León, Spain. According to the last Population Census
of 2023 Segovia had 153,803 inhabitants: 77,773 women and 77,773 men. Segovia is the most populated municipality in
Segovia. Specically, as an interesting fact for our study, the number of inhabitants in Segovia over 60 years of age as of
2022 according to the census is 46,584, 24,644 women and 21,940 men. e number of people surveyed was 318 with a
condence level of 95% and a margin of error of 6%. e quantitative results obtained indicate that 52% are women and
48% are men, of whom 62% reside in the capital, while 36% live in the province, and only 2% in urban areas with more
than 10,000 inhabitants (capital). Regarding academic background, 58% have university studies at the diploma, bachelor’s,
or degree level, 10% hold a doctorate, 9% have completed high school, 8% have vocational training, and 15% have only
primary or corresponding secondary education. ere is a high concentration of people with higher education residing in
the capital.
In the qualitative sample of interviewees, 13 people were selected (seven women and six men) from various elds of work
related to education, the environment, construction, the service sector, the civil service and national and international
business. Recruitment was carried out through purposive and criteria-based sampling, selecting individuals who
could provide wealth and variety of experiences in social media use. is group of interviewees did not participate in
the quantitative study. Table 1 shows the characteristics of this sample with diverse educational backgrounds and work
experience (from teachers to entrepreneurs and civil servants). Most of the people interviewed are retired, with a varied
participation in social networks; this quality enables a better analysis of their relationship with new media and active
ageing.
Table 1. Prole of participants in the quantitative sample
CodeAgeNationalityEducation
Professional
experience
Social media
participation
Employment
status
ENT 1
70Spanish
Diploma (Associate
Degree)
Public
administration
Not too much
Retired
ENT 2
72Spanish
Bachelor’s Degree
Public
administration
Not too much
Retired
ENT 3
62Spanish
Bachelor’s DegreeBusiness executive
MuchActive
ENT 4 62
SpanishDoctorate
Docente
Universitario
MuchRetired
ENT 5
78Spanish
Diploma (Associate
Degree)
Public
administration
LimitedRetired
ENT 6
68Spanish
Bachelor’s Degree
Public
administration
LittleRetired
doxa.comunicación |
nº 41, pp. 417-445
July-December of 2025
Javier Gil Quintana and César Bernal Bravo
ISSN: 1696-019X / e-ISSN: 2386-3978
| 423
ENT 7
62Spanish
Elementary educationBusiness executive
MuchActive
ENT 8
74Spanish
Bachelor’s DegreeBusiness executive
LittleRetired
ENT 9
64Spanish
Bachelor’s Degree
Docente
Secundaria
MuchActive
ENT 10
72Spanish
Bachelor’s DegreeBusiness executive
MuchRetired
ENT 11
78Spanish
Bachelor’s Degree
EmployeeEscasaRetired
ENT 12
62SpanishDoctorate
Business executive
MuchRetired
ENT 13
76SpanishEngineering
Business executive
MuchRetired
Source: own elaboration
2.3. Techniques and instruments
Regarding quantitative methods and instruments, essential tools for data collection and gaining a deep understanding of
the information (Medina Romero et al., 2023), online questionnaires created using Google Forms were employed. ese
were distributed randomly, based on non-probability snowball sampling, achieving a 100% response rate. e instrument
was structured with thirteen Likert-scale questions designed to measure attitudes, behaviors, and perceptions. In addition,
two dichotomous (yes/no) questions, seven single-choice questions, and two multiple-choice questions were included.
e qualitative techniques and instruments have been the thirteen semi-structured in-depth interviews with a exible
guide of twelve questions with the aim of obtaining detailed insights referred to the objectives and hypotheses presented
above; through this process it is possible to gather information about the perspectives of the participants, their diculties
and involvement in everyday life (Villalobos, 2019). Based on these tools and techniques, using software such as
Atlas.ti
and SPSS, a triangulation matrix has been applied to combine both quantitative and qualitative data, allowing the objective
results of both approaches to be compared, contrasted and correlated.
ese instruments were validated by a team of ten experts belonging to the SMEMIU Research Group (UNED) through a
tool containing the questions designed for both the questionnaire and the interviews, which presented a Likert scale from
1 to 5, ranging from ‘Very little relevant/suitable’ to ‘Very relevant/suitable’, as well as a space for observations. Regarding
the questionnaire, all the questions were rated with a score of 4 or 5, leaving some observations that were subsequently
taken into account. For the interview questions, the score also ranged between 4 or 5, bearing in mind the suggestions for
improvement that had been put forward. Cronbach’s alpha for the variables is 0.74, so that the 13 metric variables of the
survey consistently assess aspects such as trust, technical knowledge and participation in social networks. e correlation
<p>[Enlace de URL / hc (has AS)]</p>
424 |
nº 41, pp. 417-445
|
July-December of 2025
Behavior, verication of information and creation of content on social networks by Seniors. The case of Segovia (Spain)
ISSN: 1696-019X / e-ISSN: 2386-3978
doxa.comunicación
values are between 0.7 and 0.8, so all variables are correctly aligned with the total score and contribute positively to the
internal consistency of the questionnaire. e variable related to blocking or deleting contacts that share fake news or use
inappropriate language shows the highest correlation at 0.8, followed by the variable assessing the reliability of information
in traditional media, with a correlation of 0.75.
3. Analysis of Results
3.1. Category 1: Use, Time, Satisfaction, and Trust in Social Networks
e quantitative data on the use of social networks (satisfaction with technical knowledge, condence in using social
networks and comfort in writing messages), based on a Likert scale of 1 to 5, where 1 represents ‘strongly disagree’ and
5 ‘strongly agree’, expressed in Table 1, indicate medium-high satisfaction, with mean values for items 8, 9 and 10, with
scores of 3.17, 2.92 and 3.09, respectively. e median and mode, both 3. e standard deviations of 1.12, 1.13 and 1.23,
respectively, indicate a moderate dispersion reecting that not everyone has the same experience or ability. ese data
reveal that, while the senior sector is reasonably comfortable with social networking, there are still gaps in condence and
expertise at the technical level.
Table 2. Descriptive statistics of the perception regarding social media use
Value
Satisfaction with
technical knowledge
Trust in social
media use
Comfort writing
messages
Mean value
3,172,923,09
Median333
Mode333
Standard deviation
1,121,131,23
Variance1,251,281,51
Mínimum111
Maximum555
Source: own elaboration
doxa.comunicación |
nº 41, pp. 417-445
July-December of 2025
Javier Gil Quintana and César Bernal Bravo
ISSN: 1696-019X / e-ISSN: 2386-3978
| 425
Regarding the use of social media, WhatsApp is the most widely used platform across all age groups, with 100% of
participants reporting frequent use. WhatsApp is followed by Facebook, with a participation rate of 53%, particularly
prominent among older adults, with 68% in the age group close to 60 years, and a lower percentage in the older age sector.
Instagram is used by 35% of the sample, being more common among the younger individuals in the group, followed by
those aged 70. LinkedIn and X are used by 12% respectively, with usage in the 60+ age group being particularly high. TikTok
features in the results, but with 7% overall usage. Telegram is also used by 10% with prominent use in the rst age group,
along with Pinterest which is mentioned by 6%. Overall, participants aged above 70 tend to use mainly WhatsApp, with a
decrease in the use of other social networks as age increases, as presented in Table 2. ese data support the nding that,
as age increases in this sector, the use of newer social networks decreases. is pattern suggests that the preferred social
networks are those that are simpler or focused on direct communication, with accessible and familiar interfaces.
Table 3. Types of social networks used by age group
Social Media60 to 64 years65 to 69 years70 to 74 years75 to79 years80 to 84 years
WhatsApp100%100%100%100%100%
Facebook68%54%58%63%33%
Instagram48%27%35%27%17%
LinkedIn20%12%---
X20%8%---
Telegram15%5%---
TikTok10%-8%3%17%
Pinterest8%--3%
-
Other7%10%8%--
Source: own elaboration
426 |
nº 41, pp. 417-445
|
July-December of 2025
Behavior, verication of information and creation of content on social networks by Seniors. The case of Segovia (Spain)
ISSN: 1696-019X / e-ISSN: 2386-3978
doxa.comunicación
Regarding social media usage, it is worth noting that 73.5% of people report spending up to 2 hours per day on these
platforms. Of those, 39.6% spend less than 1 hour per day, while 33.9% spend between 1 and 2 hours. Additionally, 21.7%
report spending between 2 and 3 hours per day. Finally, 3.7% say they spend between 3 or 4 hours a day, as shown in
Graph 1. is Graph 1 shows a moderate use of social media, reecting a balance between digital and oine life in the
elderly; these spaces are present, but not in everyday life, implying less exposure to misinformation or a more addictive or
compulsive use.
Figure 1. Daily time spent on social media
Source: own elaboration
Regarding the correlation between satisfaction with technical knowledge in the use of social media and actual usage, an
intrinsic relationship between these variables is evident, as shown in the scatter plot in Figure 2. When analyzing the data,
it is observed that 40% of participants aged 60 to 64 report high satisfaction (values 4 and 5) with their technical knowledge,
in contrast to only 20% in the 80 to 84 age group, thus indicating a tendency for higher satisfaction among younger age
groups.
Similarly, trust in the use of social media exhibits a comparable trend, with 35% of individuals aged 60 to 64 reporting high
levels of trust (scores of 4 and 5), whereas only 20% of those aged 80 to 84 report the same level of trust. On the other hand,
the amount of time spent on social media does not show a signicant correlation with either satisfaction or trust. Among
those who use social media for less than one hour per day, 45% exhibit a wide range of levels across both metrics. Lastly,
place of residence does not appear to signicantly inuence these outcomes, as response patterns are similar between
urban and provincial areas. erefore, satisfaction and trust seem to be more closely linked to each other than to age or
usage time, indicating an intrinsic connection in social media use.
Valid percentage
doxa.comunicación |
nº 41, pp. 417-445
July-December of 2025
Javier Gil Quintana and César Bernal Bravo
ISSN: 1696-019X / e-ISSN: 2386-3978
| 427
Figure 2. Scatter plot of social media use and satisfaction with technical knowledge
Source: own elaboration
Regarding social media interaction, specically writing or responding to comments, the results presented in Figure 3 show
that 50% of individuals who feel comfortable with this activity report high levels of trust in using social media (scores of 4
or 5). In contrast, just 15% of those who feel less comfortable performing these actions demonstrate a comparable level of
trust.
Usage time also inuences trust. 45% of users who spend between 2 to 3 hours daily on social media report high satisfaction
with their ability to interact, whereas only 25% of those using social media less than one hour per day exhibit comparable
levels of satisfaction. Among the survey participants, 35% of those who spend 1 to 2 hours daily on social media report
high levels of trust and comfort, compared to 20% of individuals who use these platforms for less than one hour per
day. Regarding the age group, 55% of younger individuals who use social media between 2 and 3 hours daily feel highly
comfortable and condent, compared to only 30% in the 80 to 84 age group. For those aged 65 to 69, 40% report high levels
of comfort and condence, which decreases to 25% in the 70 to 74 age group. In terms of gender, 55% of women who use
social media between 2 and 3 hours daily report high levels of comfort and condence, compared to 30% of men.
Place of residence shows a minor inuence, with similar responses observed in both urban and rural areas. Frequency
and duration of social media use are closely linked to greater comfort and condence in interaction, exhibiting a general
upward trend among younger individuals and frequent users of these new media. is eect surpasses the impact of
demographic factors such as gender and place of residence.
I am satised with my knowledge, on a technical level, of the use of social networks
428 |
nº 41, pp. 417-445
|
July-December of 2025
Behavior, verication of information and creation of content on social networks by Seniors. The case of Segovia (Spain)
ISSN: 1696-019X / e-ISSN: 2386-3978
doxa.comunicación
Figure 3. Comfort with receiving messages and comments on social media
Source: own elaboration
e opinion about social media in post-digital society, as reected in the qualitative study, highlights two main aspects:
one positive and one negative within the qualitative sample. On the one hand, “social media facilitate contact with more
people and promote a sense of community. On the other hand, they can also cause isolation within the family and close
environment by reducing personal interaction” (ENT. 9:2/20). Although the overall results from the interview analysis,
shown in the Sankey diagram presented in Figure 4, indicate a clear relationship between social media and various aspects
of society. rough ow representation, the connections between social media and dimensions such as culture, diversity
of values, public opinion, and technology are shown. is high co-occurrence of codes and their relationships allow us
to assert that social media are integrated into society. ere is a strong interrelation between “culture” and “diversity
of values” with social media, thus they inuence cultural norms and individual beliefs, and are shaped by them. e
relationship between social media and “social impact” highlights a clear role in shaping public opinion and mobilizing
social movements. e presence of concepts such as “distrust in social media” and “online privacy” highlights the concerns
and challenges related to the use of these platforms. However, the diagram also shows a signicant connection between
social media and “critical thinking,” indicating that they are also environments that can foster debate and reection. Social
media interact with various aspects of society, helping us better understand their inuence on our daily lives and the
challenges posed by their use.
Probabilidad
I feel comfortable writing messages or comments through social media
doxa.comunicación |
nº 41, pp. 417-445
July-December of 2025
Javier Gil Quintana and César Bernal Bravo
ISSN: 1696-019X / e-ISSN: 2386-3978
| 429
Figure 4. Sankey diagram illustrating the relationship between social media and social aspects
Source: own elaboration
430 |
nº 41, pp. 417-445
|
July-December of 2025
Behavior, verication of information and creation of content on social networks by Seniors. The case of Segovia (Spain)
ISSN: 1696-019X / e-ISSN: 2386-3978
doxa.comunicación
e increasing amount of information on social media has created a challenge in discerning between true and false. is
is highlighted in the qualitative data, emphasizing the importance of critical thinking and common sense when navigating
these digital environments, beyond mere digital literacy. us, “the overabundance of information and the ease with which
news spreads, even without institutional backing, make trust in social media increasingly dicult to maintain” (ENT.
4:14/40). On the other hand, although social media are recognized as an additional tool for accessing data, according to
the qualitative data, they also enable a way to verify and contrast specic published information, developing “the ability
to detect the truthfulness of information becomes a constant challenge, requiring not only technical knowledge but also a
critical and reective evaluation of what is shared and consumed in these spaces” (ENT. 12:13/50).
3.2. Category 2: Interaction and verication of information on social media
e results shown in Table 3 corresponding to the quantitative study, analyze interaction and the ability to discern the
truthfulness of information on social media and traditional media, as well as people’s reactions to inappropriate content.
Mean values ranging from 1.93 to 3.08 indicate moderate trust when identifying threats and comparing information, and
lower trust in the reliability of information received through social media. e medians result in values of 3 or 2, reecting a
tendency towards neutrality or distrust, while a wide variability of responses is observed based on the modes, ranging from
1 to 4. Dispersion is moderate, with standard deviations between 0.98 and 1.47, indicating diversity of opinions. e variety
of responses reveals signicant individual dierences, evidencing a gap in media literacy skills that requires strengthening
training and regulating the content oered on social media.
Table 4. Types of social media used by age group
Value
Assessment
of info.
accuracy
Reliability of
social info.
Recognition of
digital threats
Reliability of
traditional
media
Source
comparison
Inappropriate
content blocking
Trusted
inuencers
Mean value
2.932.313.082.942.582.291.93
Median3233321
Mode4233111
Standard
deviation
1.120.981.291.051.311.471.25
Variance1.260.961.661.11.712.151.56
doxa.comunicación |
nº 41, pp. 417-445
July-December of 2025
Javier Gil Quintana and César Bernal Bravo
ISSN: 1696-019X / e-ISSN: 2386-3978
| 431
Minimum1111111
Maximum5555555
Source: own elaboration
A detailed analysis of the results from the covariance analysis highlights the relationships between individuals’ perceptions
of the reliability of information on social media, their behavior, and their trust in these platforms, revealing signicant
dierences across age groups. Individuals aged 60 to 64 show a covariance of 0.86 between their ability to discern the
truthfulness of information on social media and their condence in detecting threats, implying a strong correlation within
this group. 86% trust their ability to identify threats, feeling capable of distinguishing between true and false information
on social media. In contrast, in the 80 to 84 age group, this correlation is lower, with a covariance of 0.11, indicating a
reduced ability to discern information and lower condence in detecting threats.
e perception of the reliability of information on social media and its comparison with information received through
traditional media shows an overall covariance of 0.28, which varies by age. 28% of individuals aged 65 to 69 consider
information on social media to be reliable and also compare it with information from traditional media. L Among
individuals aged 60 to 64, 35% make this comparison, while only 20% of those aged 80 to 84 do so. Regarding the action of
blocking or removing contacts due to false content, the negative covariance of -0.06 with the ability to discern truthfulness
on social media and -0.23 with condence in detecting threats indicates a moderate inverse relationship: 6% of individuals
aged 70 to 74 trust their ability to discern false information and also block fewer contacts, whereas in the 60 to 64 age group,
23% show a lower tendency to block contacts due to their condence in detecting threats, as shown in Figure 5. ese data
show that, as age increases, the ability to discern and detect threats decreases. e low tendency to compare information
between social media and mass media once again highlights the media literacy gap.
432 |
nº 41, pp. 417-445
|
July-December of 2025
Behavior, verication of information and creation of content on social networks by Seniors. The case of Segovia (Spain)
ISSN: 1696-019X / e-ISSN: 2386-3978
doxa.comunicación
Figure 5. Histogram on truthfulness, threat recognition, and trust in social media
Source: own elaboration
e analysis of the scatter plot regarding trust in the truthfulness of information on social media and the inuence of
inuencers on purchasing decisions shows dierences according to age group. e 60 to 64 age group has greater
condence in discerning the truthfulness of information, with a mean value of 3.36 and a standard deviation of 0.96. In
this group, there is also a low inuence of inuencers on purchasing decisions, with a mean value of 1.87 and a standard
deviation of 1.13. Regarding individuals aged 65 to 69, they show slightly lower condence, with a mean value of 3.11 and a
standard deviation of 1.17, indicating a similarly low inuence, with a mean value of 1.73 and a standard deviation of 1.01.
Individuals in the 70 to 74 and 75 to 79 age groups show lower condence in the truthfulness of information, with mean
values of 2.32 and 2.8, respectively, and standard deviations of 1.04 and 1.21. Regarding the inuence of inuencers, those
aged 70 to 74 have the lowest mean value of 1.4 with a standard deviation of 0.89, while the 75 to 79 group shows a higher
mean value of 3.25 and a standard deviation of 1.71. Finally, participants aged 80 to 84 have the lowest condence in the
truthfulness of information, with a mean value of 2.5 and a standard deviation of 0.93; this is accompanied by a moderate
inuence of inuencers, with a mean value of 2 and a standard deviation of 1.73. ese results indicate a loss of condence
in the truthfulness of information on social media with increasing age, while the inuence of inuencers shows variability,
being more signicant in middle-aged groups and less consistent among older groups, as shown in Figure 6. e data
reveal that age inuences the ability to analyze the truthfulness of information on social media as well as vulnerability to
inuencers. In the post-digital society, this fact poses challenges for inclusion of the elderly; trust and inuence are not
always related, being conditioned by factors such as emotion or familiarity with new media.
I evaluate the veracity in networks.
I recognize threats on networks.
I trust the information from networks.
I trust the information of traditional media
doxa.comunicación |
nº 41, pp. 417-445
July-December of 2025
Javier Gil Quintana and César Bernal Bravo
ISSN: 1696-019X / e-ISSN: 2386-3978
| 433
Figure 6. Scatter plot of inuencer impact on purchasing decisions (y) and discernment on social media (x)
Source: own elaboration
Regarding the qualitative analysis of information based on whether it is transmitted truthfully via social media or not,
compared to conventional media, it is emphasized that information should always be veried, regardless of whether it
comes from social media or traditional media. In this regard, interviewees express skepticism towards information
conveyed through traditional media such as television, stating that “not everything said should be accepted as absolute
truth or as a dogma of faith” (1:16/54). In their opinion, it is crucial to have one’s own judgment, to rationalize and critically
analyze information, and to verify news by comparing dierent sources to ensure its truthfulness. In contrast, another
interviewee emphasized that “although social media has changed information consumption, traditional media such as
television, radio, and press remain more reliable due to their rigorous verication processes, professional commitment,
and transparency they oer” (ENT 4:19/8). On the other hand, other people observe that any topic of current interest or
importance usually appears both in written form in traditional media and on social media, demonstrating the widespread
presence of information across all media (ENT 12:14/54).
When analyzing opinions about inuencers, a clear stance on social media is observed. It is considered that, by generating
opinions on specic topics, they exert great inuence over many people, especially when aecting the consumption habits
of their followers. For example, “fashion and makeup inuencers” can have a signicant impact. us, in response to
the question about whether inuencers are followed on social media and whether they are good role models for youth,
the overall results conrm this, as shown in the Sankey diagram presented in Figure 7. In this regard, we nd opinions
such as that of a secondary school teacher, who reects not only that inuencers are present and inuence internet users’
opinions but also that they are gures to be emulated by their students. us, this fact is conrmed in the sample with
statements such as “young people frequently aspire to be inuencers, perceiving this career as an easy way to make money”
434 |
nº 41, pp. 417-445
|
July-December of 2025
Behavior, verication of information and creation of content on social networks by Seniors. The case of Segovia (Spain)
ISSN: 1696-019X / e-ISSN: 2386-3978
doxa.comunicación
(ENT/7:20/82); furthermore, it is pointed out that this profession is considered a simple way to earn income, described as
“acting foolishly” to obtain a large amount of money.
is growing skepticism towards information in mass media and social media underscores the importance of verifying
and cross-checking sources. e elderly sector prefers to verify information before accepting it as true, although they place
more trust in traditional media.
Figure 7. Sankey diagram on inuencers and their inuence on social aspects and consumption
Source: own elaboration
3.3. Category 3: Engagement and Content Creation on Social Media
e analysis of the quantitative results, shown in Table 4, regarding others’ posts and personal content creation, reveals
average values of 2.6 for contributions to others’ posts, 2.0 for content sharing, and 2.3 for creating original posts, indicating
a moderately low level of participation. e median and mode are 3 and 1, respectively, indicating low or no participation.
e standard deviations, ranging from 1.1 to 1.38, reect dispersion in the responses, showing a diversity of behaviors.
Variance values between 1.22 and 1.91 indicate the range of interaction levels among people across the social networks
doxa.comunicación |
nº 41, pp. 417-445
July-December of 2025
Javier Gil Quintana and César Bernal Bravo
ISSN: 1696-019X / e-ISSN: 2386-3978
| 435
they use. ese data demonstrate that, although we live in a postdigital society with generally broad access to social media,
not everyone feels motivated or equipped to engage.
Table 5. Statistics on Interaction and Content Creation on Social Media
Value
Participation in postsContent sharingPost creation
Mean value
2.6122.36
Median322
Mode111
Standard deviation
1.381.11.38
Variance1.91.221.91
Minimum111
Maximum555
Source: own elaboration
Regarding perceptions of the truthfulness of information on social media and the inuence exerted by messages
transmitted by inuencers on purchasing decisions, according to age groups, the results show that younger people have
greater condence in distinguishing the authenticity of information; this is reected by a mean value of 3.36 and a standard
deviation of 0.96. However, the impact of inuencers’ messages on this group is low, with a mean value of 1.87. For
individuals aged between 65 and 69, condence slightly decreases to a mean value of 3.11, while the impact of inuencers
remains low with a mean value of 1.73. e group aged 70 to 74 shows a downward trend both in condence in information
on social media and in the inuence of inuencers, with mean values of 2.32 and 1.4, respectively. e group aged 75 to
79 indicates moderate condence in information on social media, with a mean value of 2.8, although their susceptibility
to inuencers is higher, with a mean value of 3.25. Finally, the oldest individuals show less trust in online information,
with a mean value of 2.5; as for inuencers, they exert a moderate inuence, with a mean value of 2. is is illustrated in
the multivariable gure, which shows how trust in the truthfulness of information decreases with age, while the inuence
of inuencers on purchasing decisions varies –reaching its peak in the 75 to 79 age group and showing less consistency
among the older age groups, as shown in Figure 8.
436 |
nº 41, pp. 417-445
|
July-December of 2025
Behavior, verication of information and creation of content on social networks by Seniors. The case of Segovia (Spain)
ISSN: 1696-019X / e-ISSN: 2386-3978
doxa.comunicación
Figure 8. Multivariable perception of the truthfulness of information on social media
Source: own elaboration
Additionally, the prole of each respondent on social media is analyzed in terms of the correlation between engagement
with posts –through ‘likes’ or comments– and the tendency to share that content on their own proles. Signicant
dierences emerge based on age group and gender. e younger segment of the senior population shares posts from other
proles at a rate of 68%, while 74% create their own content. Women are more active, representing 37% in sharing and 46%
in content creation, compared to men, who account for 31% and 28%, respectively. Among individuals aged 65 to 69, the
data shows that 52% share posts from others, while 61% create their own content. In this age group, women share at a rate
of 31% and create content at 43%, whereas men contribute 20% in sharing and 18% in content creation. Regarding the 70
to 74 age group, 38% share posts from others and 36% create their own content. Within this group, women share others’
content at a rate of 28% and create their own at 26%, surpassing men, who register only 10% in both activities. Continuing
with the older age groups within the senior sector, among those aged 75 to 79, 25% share posts while 43% create their own
content. In this group, men are more active, with 14% sharing and 27% creating content, compared to women, who share at
11% and create at 16%. Finally, the oldest individuals share posts from others, while 19% create their own content. Among
them, women share content at a rate of 9% and create their own at 13%, compared to men, who contribute 6% in both
categories. ese data suggest that women aged 60 to 69 are more actively engaged in both sharing and creating content
on their social media proles. Participation in both activities decreases with age, and men surpass women in the older age
groups, specically in content creation, as shown in Figure 9. is analysis reveals that social media engagement varies
signicantly by age and gender, with younger women in this sector being the most active in sharing and creating content,
while men increase their activity in older age.
doxa.comunicación |
nº 41, pp. 417-445
July-December of 2025
Javier Gil Quintana and César Bernal Bravo
ISSN: 1696-019X / e-ISSN: 2386-3978
| 437
Figure 9. Histogram of participation in own posts and frequency of sharing others’ posts
Source: own elaboration
Regarding the qualitative analysis, social media emerges as a diverse and multifaceted environment that adapts to the
individual preferences and needs of each person, as reected in the experiences of the interviewees in the qualitative study.
For example, one person uses social media to ‘stay informed about local news and sports, integrating social networks into
their daily routine in a functional and practical way’ (ENT. 13:18/59). ey also describe how they get involved in content
creation and editing, highlighting their enthusiasm for collaboration and the freedom of expression that new media oer,
and how their experience with ‘photo editing and participation in thematic groups demonstrates active engagement’ (ENT.
7:4/28; 7:26/112). On the other hand, another interviewee focuses on the use of social media in institutional contexts,
promoting its adoption in public administration and addressing concerns about privacy and the inuence of articial
intelligence (ENT. 4:31/71; 4:51/100). In contrast, one of the interviewees, a retired teacher, prefers ‘traditional and manual
creation methods, valuing the sentimental and authentic aspect of her work over digital tools’ (ENT. 1:2/18).
is is also reected at a global level, as shown in Figure 10, which displays the co-occurrences between codes, indicating
that, ultimately, social media users engage in everyday activities such as posting photos, reading news, watching videos,
and interacting, collaborating, and participating with friends or family. It is also noted, regarding the creation of proles or
groups, that the majority have done so with the help of others, with this experience being described as positive. When creating
content such as images, texts, or videos, additional editing applications are used, indicating a participatory and creative
use of social media. erefore, these data reect that social media are used in older adulthood both as a tool to consult
daily information and to create content. Despite diculties, older adults participate in creative and collaborative activities,
thus demonstrating the impact of these media on social interaction, reinforcing inclusion and citizen empowerment.
Actively participate in interesting publications
Frequently shares other people’s posts
438 |
nº 41, pp. 417-445
|
July-December of 2025
Behavior, verication of information and creation of content on social networks by Seniors. The case of Segovia (Spain)
ISSN: 1696-019X / e-ISSN: 2386-3978
doxa.comunicación
Figure 10. Sankey diagram of co-occurrences
Source: own elaboration
As a result, in the data analysis, these perspectives show how social media can be used in diverse ways. is ranges from
integrating personal daily habits to creating collaborative content, with a clear concern for privacy. ere is also a noticeable
tendency toward a preference for traditional methods. e diversity of approaches demonstrates the adaptability of social
media and how each user can shape their experience according to their own interests and values.
doxa.comunicación |
nº 41, pp. 417-445
July-December of 2025
Javier Gil Quintana and César Bernal Bravo
ISSN: 1696-019X / e-ISSN: 2386-3978
| 439
4. Discussion
e interconnection presented in this study is fundamental to understanding how the Internet (Campaña and Ortega,
2021), and more specically social media, can be both a tool that enables empowerment and a potential risk for seniors.
is depends on how they project themselves to share, verify, and create content on social media (supporting H1, H2, H3).
At the local level, the senior population of Segovia city and province uses WhatsApp as their preferred social network, being
the most used across all age groups. In addition to this platform, they also use Facebook and Instagram. e use of other
social networks such as LinkedIn, X, TikTok, Telegram, and Pinterest is notable but to a lesser extent. is usage is not
limited to merely having a prole; their engagement aects their daily lives temporally, with at least two hours spent per
day. is usage correlates with technical knowledge, with the study highlighting that this competence is higher among the
younger seniors, decreasing as age increases. Similarly, the level of trust in new media is higher among younger individuals
compared to older ones; no dierences are observed in competence or trust related to age or time spent using them. A
signicant nding from the study concerns interaction, showing that people who engage more actively on social media,
spend more time daily on these platforms, and feel more comfortable in these spaces tend to have greater trust in social
media—particularly women in this last aspect, thus supporting H1.
Social media also have a signicant and multifaceted impact on post-digital society (Balseca, Carrillo, Merchan, and Moreno,
2019). On one hand, for the senior population in Segovia, they facilitate connection and foster a sense of community, but
they can also generate not only a digital divide (Arroyo-Menéndez, Gutiérrez-Láiz, Criado-Quesada, 2022) but also isolation
within the immediate environment, which increasingly tends toward ageism (Chulián, Valdivia-Salas, and Páez, 2024).
ese new media are closely integrated into areas such as culture, the diversity of values, public opinion, and digitalization,
including social norms as well as personal beliefs, while also feeling shaped by them, supporting H2. Notably, the concept
of privacy and distrust, even within public administration spaces (Sánchez, Llorente, and Abad, 2022), increases their
vulnerability (Bunbury, Pérez, and Osuna, 2022), while simultaneously promoting inclusion (Tirado-Morueta, Rodríguez-
Martín, Álvarez-Arregui, Ortiz-Sobrino, and Agudez-Gómez, 2021), critical thinking, and dialogic action. e study reveals
a signicant relationship between the perception of the reliability of information circulating on social media, behavior, and
trust among the senior sector, with notable dierences according to age group, thus supporting H1.
People over 60 have dierent media skills thanks to training programs oered by public and private institutions (Tirado-
Morueta, Rodríguez-Martín, Álvarez-Arregui, Ortíz-Sobrino, and Aguaded-Gómez, 2021). ese skills are evident when
discerning the truthfulness of information and the condence in detecting threats, consistent with H3. is aspect aects
their behavior, showing an attitude of comparing information with media outlets, verifying it through multiple sources, and
blocking contacts when they spread false content (Tejedor, Romero-Rodríguez, and Gracia-Villar, 2024), aligning with H2
and H3. Condence in the accuracy of information, including in health-related areas and the inuence of inuencers on
consumer behavior, varies with age –being more pronounced in middle age groups and less consistent among older adults.
e senior sector shops online (Viñarás-Abad, Pretel-Jiménez, and Quesada-González, 2022) and is aware of the impact
inuencers have on consumption habits. is perception extends beyond seniors to younger individuals, who see these
new public gures as role models and even as references for the future workforce.
440 |
nº 41, pp. 417-445
|
July-December of 2025
Behavior, verication of information and creation of content on social networks by Seniors. The case of Segovia (Spain)
ISSN: 1696-019X / e-ISSN: 2386-3978
doxa.comunicación
Social media participation among the senior sector is based not only on interaction or consumption but also on content
creation and even editing using various applications (Fernández-Lores, Márquez, and Villaverde, 2021). Women stand
out in this area, with their skills declining with age, while men surpass females in these activities in older age groups. is
usage reects the diversity of approaches and concerns within the senior audience, ranging from integration into daily life
to content creation, privacy, and preferences for traditional media versus new social media.
5. Conclusion
is study has highlighted the use of social media by the senior sector in the province of Segovia. WhatsApp stands out as
the most used platform by this social group, followed by Facebook and Instagram, with a daily use of at least two hours.
Younger seniors in Segovia demonstrate greater technical competence and condence toward these new spaces, although
their time spent on them is similar. A signicant nding is that higher levels of interaction correspond to greater trust in
social media, with women standing out as feeling more comfortable in these spaces. Information verication is a trend that
is especially prominent among educated seniors and those who actively participate. is senior sector not only consumes
but also creates and edits content, with younger women and, in this case, older men standing out.
e media analysis presented in this study once again makes it clear that social media impact the daily lives of older adults,
their quality of life, and their integration into post-digital society. Why? To conclude this study, we refer to the Latin term
‘pietás,’ which in ancient Rome represented a sense of duty, devotion, and respect towards the gods, one’s homeland, or
family. In this media context, we appropriate this concept to conclude and symbolize within it the implications of media
literacy and the empowerment of older adults in the use of new media: essential solutions at both local and national levels.
To do this, we construct the concepts that conclude this study using the letters that form the word ‘pietás’.
–
P for Prevention: the duty to protect older adults from misinformation, fake news, fraud, and scams.
–
I for Inclusion: including older adults in post-digital society so that no one is left behind, promoting the development of
media skills that allow them to stay connected with family and friends, combating loneliness and social isolation; and not
only that, but also enabling access to essential services such as healthcare and public administration.
–
E for Empowerment: respecting and promoting the autonomy of older adults through new media, managing their own
needs (as previously mentioned), and also participating in public debates and accessing information about policies, the
-
reby fostering active citizenship.
–
T for Technology: the importance of becoming familiar with the operation of digital devices and social software.
–
A for Acquisition: continuous learning and healthy leisure, valuing media education throughout life through formal and
informal contexts, online platforms, as well as access to cultural and entertainment content (e-books, movies, music, etc.).
–
S for Safety: the use of new media can stimulate the mind and help maintain mental sharpness, and although it can be
learned, it also provides access to reliable health information, exercise programs, health monitoring tools, and more.
doxa.comunicación |
nº 41, pp. 417-445
July-December of 2025
Javier Gil Quintana and César Bernal Bravo
ISSN: 1696-019X / e-ISSN: 2386-3978
| 441
However, this study acknowledges certain limitations that allow for critical reection and give rise to new lines of research.
It is a study focused on a specic geographical area, which restricts the generalization of the results; its cross-sectional
approach prevents establishing causal relationships between variables such as age, media competence, and trust in social
networks, as it is based on self-reported perceptions that may be inuenced by subjective biases. is fact encourages the
scientic community to deepen longitudinal evaluation approaches, analyze the content created by this sector, and explore
intergenerational relationships in the use of social networks as a space for the collective construction of knowledge.
We can therefore summarize that media literacy not only protects older adults from potential risks but also provides them
with opportunities for a richer, more independent, and connected life. It is truly an essential skill in post-digital society that
can signicantly enhance their well-being and quality of life.
6. Acknowledgments
is article has been translated into English by Sonia Rodríguez Dorrego, to whom we are grateful for her work.
is article has not received any funding. It is framed within the Doctoral School of Rey Juan Carlos University and the
MELISE Project, CREA-CROSS-2023-MEDIALITERACY call from the European Commission.
7. Specic contributions of each author
Name and Surname
Conception and design of the workJavier Gil Quintana and César Bernal Bravo
Methodology
Javier Gil Quintana
Data collection and analysisJavier Gil Quintana
Discussion and conclusionsJavier Gil Quintana
Drafting, formatting, version review and approvalJavier Gil Quintana and César Bernal Bravo
8. Conict of Interest
e authors declare that there is no conict of interest contained in this article.
442 |
nº 41, pp. 417-445
|
July-December of 2025
Behavior, verication of information and creation of content on social networks by Seniors. The case of Segovia (Spain)
ISSN: 1696-019X / e-ISSN: 2386-3978
doxa.comunicación
9. Bibliographic references
Acosta Faneite, S. F. (2023). Los enfoques de investigación en las Ciencias Sociales.
Revista Latinoamericana Ogmios
, 3 (8),
82-95.
https://doi.org/10.53595/rlo.v3.i8.084
Arroyo-Menéndez, M., Gutiérrez-Láiz, N. y Criado-Quesada, B (2022). e Digitization of Seniors: Analyzing the Multiple
Conuence of Social and Spatial Divides.
Land
, 11(6):953.
https://doi.org/10.3390/land11060953
Balseca, N., Carrillo, F., Merchan, J.M. y Moreno, C.J. (2019). Inuencia del Marketing, el Internet y las Redes Sociales en
Adultos Mayores: Una revisión de la literatura.
Revista Espacios
, 40(14), 8, 2019.
https://acortar.link/2PtyRE
Bravo, C. B., & Jiménez, R. G.-A. (Eds.). (2024).
Participación ciudadana, redes sociales y educación para el siglo XXI.
(1st,
2024th-2nd–26th ed.). Dykinson, S.L.
https://doi.org/10.2307/jj.13286074
Bernhold, Q. S. (2020). e Role of Media in Predicting Older Adults’ Own Age-Related Communication and Successful
Aging.
Mass Communication and Society
, 24(1), 1–30.
https://doi.org/10.1080/15205436.2020.1743862
Blanco, N. y Pirela, J. (2022). La complementariedad metodológica: Estrategia de integración de enfoques en la investigación
social.
Espacios públicos
, 18(45).
https://acortar.link/iAmOuC
Bunbury Bustillo, E., Pérez Calle, R., & Osuna-Acedo, S. . (2022). Las Competencias Digitales en personas mayores: de
amenaza a oportunidad.
Vivat Academia
,
155
, 173–195.
https://doi.org/10.15178/va.2022.155.e1383
Campaña, J. C., & Ortega, R. (2021). Determinants of internet use by the elderly in Spain: time dedicated to search and
communications.
Economics and Business Letters
,
10
(1), 16–26.
https://doi.org/10.17811/ebl.10.1.2021.16-26
Castillo-Abdul, B. y García-Prieto, V. (2021).
Prosumidores emergentes: redes sociales, alfabetización y creación de contenidos
.
Dykinson.
Chulián, A., Valdivia-Salas, S. y Páez, M. (2024). Una mirada contextual al edadismo.
Análisis y Modicación de Conducta
,
50(182), 69-88.
https://doi.org/10.33776/amc.v50i182.8064
CIIS (2004).
Guía sobre el uso responsable y seguro de la tecnología
. Centro de Investigación e Innovación Social (CIIS) de
la Diputación de Segovia.
https://goo.su/dDcuvz
Comisión Europea. (2019). Tackling online disinformation.
Comisión Europea.
https://acortar.link/Fs0h3l
Domènech, J. M. (2019). El envejecimiento de la población española y su impacto macroeconómico.
Papeles de Economía
Española
, (161), 100-241.
https://acortar.link/q26MvF
Fernández-Lores, S., Marquez, J. A. y Villaverde, S. (2021). Mobile Communication and Seniors: An Exploratory Study on
eir Consumption of Apps.
Journal of Promotion Management
, 27(7), 952–970.
https://doi.org/10.1080/10496491.2021.1
888183
Gil-Quintana, J. (2023).
Educación y comunicación en una sociedad postdigital. Investigación documental y análisis de
perspectivas
. Octaedro.
<p>[Enlace de URL / hc (has AS)]</p>
<p>[Enlace de URL / hc (has AS)]</p>
<p>[Enlace de URL / hc (has AS)]</p>
<p>[Enlace de URL / hc (has AS)]</p>
<p>[Enlace de URL / hc (has AS)]</p>
<p>[Enlace de URL / hc (has AS)]</p>
<p>[Enlace de URL / hc (has AS)]</p>
<p>[Enlace de URL / hc (has AS)]</p>
<p>[Enlace de URL / hc (has AS)]</p>
<p>[Enlace de URL / hc (has AS)]</p>
<p>[Enlace de URL / hc (has AS)]</p>
<p>[Enlace de URL / hc (has AS)]</p>
<p>[Enlace de URL / hc (has AS)]</p>
<p>[Enlace de URL / hc (has AS)]</p>
doxa.comunicación |
nº 41, pp. 417-445
July-December of 2025
Javier Gil Quintana and César Bernal Bravo
ISSN: 1696-019X / e-ISSN: 2386-3978
| 443
Gil-Quintana, J., García Blázquez, E., Hueso Romero, J. J. y Romero Rodríguez, L.M. (2024). Redes de comunicação universitária
sNOOC para educação midiática de idosos.
Texto Livre
, 18, e53823.
https://doi.org/10.1590/1983-3652.2025.53823
González, M. y Padilla, G. (2018). Inclusión digital y envejecimiento activo: participación de los mayores en redes sociales.
Aula Abierta
, 47(1), 89-96.
https://doi.org/10.17811/rie.47.1.2018.89-96
Havighurst, R. J. (1963). Successful aging.
Processes of aging: Social and psychological perspectives
, 1, 299-320.
https://doi.
org/10.4324/9781315127460-18
Hernández-Sampieri, R. y Mendoza, C. (2018).
Metodología de la Investigación: Las rutas cuantitativas, cualitativas y
mixtas
. 7ma. Edición. McGraw-Hill Interamericana.
Iab Spain (2023).
Estudio de redes sociales 2023
. Madrid: Iab Spain.
https://acortar.link/k0kSrr
Iniesta-Alemán, I., Mancho-Iglesia, A. y Segura-Anaya, A. (2023). Inuencia de la prensa en el entorno digital. Análisis del
engagement de los veinte periódicos más leídos en España en Twitter.
Contratexto
, (39), 51-72.
https://dx.doi.org/10.26439/
contratexto2023.n39.6147
Instituto Nacional de Estadística: Instituto Nacional de Estadística. (2024).
Ciencia y tecnología: sociedad de la información
.
Madrid: Instituto Nacional de Estadística.
https://acortar.link/wwUpA
Košir, U. y Štrumbelj, E. (2024). Cybersecurity reats as Drivers of Smartphone Use in Older Adults: A Revised TAM
Approach.
arXiv
.
https://arxiv.org/abs/2409.01771
Lladó Comunicación (2023).
Estudio de redes sociales es España
.
https://acortar.link/OYDV0i
Medina, M.A., Rómulo, C., Bustamante, W., Loaiza, R.M., Martel, C.P. y Castillo, R.Y. (2023).
Metodología de la investigación:
técnicas e instrumentos de investigación
. Instituto Universitario de Innovación Ciencia y Tecnología Inudi Perú.
https://
doi.org/10.35622/inudi.b.080
Mihailidis, P. y evenin, B. (2013). Media Literacy as a Core Competency for Engaged Citizenship in Participatory
Democracy.
American Behavioral Scientist
, 57(11), 1611-1622.
https://doi.org/10.1177/0002764213489015
Monge-Laverde, J. D., Chiliquinga-Véjar, L. del C. y Santamaría, G. J. (2024). Uso de redes sociales y envejecimiento activo
en adultos mayores.
Revista Cientíca Y Arbitrada de Ciencias Sociales y Trabajo Social
:
Tejedora
, 7(13), 61–75.
https://doi.
org/10.56124/tj.v7i13.005
Nguyen, A., Mosadeghi, S. y Almario, C. V. (2017). Persistent digital divide in access to and use of the Internet as a resource
for health information: Results from a California population-based study.
International journal of medical informatics
, 103,
49–54.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2017.04.008
Pino, A. y Arréguez, S. (2023). Habilidades y estrategias que emplean adultos mayores de la argentina para identicar
piezas de desinformación en WhatsApp.
Hologramática
, 1(38), 5, 19–34.
https://acortar.link/1BwBUs
Qi, Y., Zhang, C., Zhou, M., Zhang, R., Chen, Y., & Li, C. (2024). Association between social media use and depressive
symptoms in middle-aged and older Chinese adults.
Translational psychiatry
,
14
(1), 430.
https://doi.org/10.1038/
s41398-024-03142-0
<p>[Enlace de URL / hc (has AS)]</p>
<p>[Enlace de URL / hc (has AS)]</p>
<p>[Enlace de URL / hc (has AS)]</p>
<p>[Enlace de URL / hc (has AS)]</p>
<p>[Enlace de URL / hc (has AS)]</p>
<p>[Enlace de URL / hc (has AS)]</p>
<p>[Enlace de URL / hc (has AS)]</p>
<p>[Enlace de URL / hc (has AS)]</p>
<p>[Enlace de URL / hc (has AS)]</p>
<p>[Enlace de URL / hc (has AS)]</p>
<p>[Enlace de URL / hc (has AS)]</p>
<p>[Enlace de URL / hc (has AS)]</p>
<p>[Enlace de URL / hc (has AS)]</p>
<p>[Enlace de URL / hc (has AS)]</p>
<p>[Enlace de URL / hc (has AS)]</p>
<p>[Enlace de URL / hc (has AS)]</p>
<p>[Enlace de URL / hc (has AS)]</p>
<p>[Enlace de URL / hc (has AS)]</p>
<p>[Enlace de URL / hc (has AS)]</p>
444 |
nº 41, pp. 417-445
|
July-December of 2025
Behavior, verication of information and creation of content on social networks by Seniors. The case of Segovia (Spain)
ISSN: 1696-019X / e-ISSN: 2386-3978
doxa.comunicación
Roldan, E.L., Díaz, R. y Andrés, C. (2023). Redes sociales de apoyo formales e informales para la reducción de pobreza
del adulto mayor y su familia.
Revista de la Universidad Industrial de Santander
, 26.
https://doi.org/10.18273/
saluduis.55.e:23004
Román, P., Pérez, M. y Tadeu, P. (2021). Active aging and internet use to improve the quality of life of the seniors.
Pixel Bit
Revista de medios de Educación
, 60, 109-134.
https://doi.org/10.12795/pixelbit.76963
Santoveña, S. (2020).
Entre redes
. Tirant Humanidades.
Statista. (2023). Uso de los medios de comunicación en España.
Informe Statista
.
https://n9.cl/uh8uk
Tejedor, S., Romero, L. M. y Gracia, M. (2024). Unveiling the truth: A systematic review of fact-checking and fake news
research in social sciences.
Journal of Communication and Media Technologies
, 14(2), e202427.
https://doi.org/10.30935/
ojcmt/14455
Teruel, L. (2023). Increasing political polarization with disinformation: A comparative analysis of the European quality
press.
Profesional De La informaci
ón
, 32(6).
https://doi.org/10.3145/epi.2023.nov.12
e Social Media Family (2021).
IX Informe sobre el uso de redes sociales en España
.
https://thesocialmediafamily.com/
informe-redes-sociales/
Tirado, R., Rodríguez, A., Álvarez, E., Ortíz, M. Á. y Aguaded, J. I. (2021). Understanding internet appropriation among
older people through institutional supports in Spain.
Technology in society
, 64, 101505.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.
techsoc.2020.101505
Tirado-Morueta, R., Rodríguez-Martín, A., Álvarez-Arregui, E., Ortíz-Sobrino, M. Á., & Aguaded-Gómez, J. I. (2023). e
digital inclusion of older people in Spain: technological support services for seniors as predictor.
Ageing and Society
, 43(6),
1409–1435.
https://doi.org/10.1017/S0144686X21001173
Unesco (2023, 20 abril).
About media and information literacy
.
https://lc.cx/EcmwRy
Valle, M. S., Barroso, C. L. y Alcalá, L. A. (2022). Perceptions and Attitudes of Spanish “Digital Seniors” Towards
E-Government.
International Journal of Electronic Government Research (IJEGR
), 18(1), 1-19.
http://doi.org/10.4018/
IJEGR.297228
Vicente, M. R. (2022). ICT for healthy and active aging: e elderly as rst and last movers.
Telecommunications Policy
,
46(3), 102262.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.telpol.2021.102262
Villalobos, L. R. (2019). Enfoques y diseños de investigación social: cuantitativos, cualitativos y mixtos.
Educación Superior
,
(27), 78–82.
https://doi.org/10.56918/es.2019.i27
Viñarás, M., Pretel, M. y Quesada, C. (2022). Commerce, social media and Social Inclusion: A Typology of Users Over 60
Years of Age in Spain. Communication & Society, 35(3), 141-154.
https://doi.org/10.15581/003.35.3.141-154
<p>[Enlace de URL / hc (has AS)]</p>
<p>[Enlace de URL / hc (has AS)]</p>
<p>[Enlace de URL / hc (has AS)]</p>
<p>[Enlace de URL / hc (has AS)]</p>
<p>[Enlace de URL / hc (has AS)]</p>
<p>[Enlace de URL / hc (has AS)]</p>
<p>[Enlace de URL / hc (has AS)]</p>
<p>[Enlace de URL / hc (has AS)]</p>
<p>[Enlace de URL / hc (has AS)]</p>
<p>[Enlace de URL / hc (has AS)]</p>
<p>[Enlace de URL / hc (has AS)]</p>
<p>[Enlace de URL / hc (has AS)]</p>
<p>[Enlace de URL / hc (has AS)]</p>
<p>[Enlace de URL / hc (has AS)]</p>
<p>[Enlace de URL / hc (has AS)]</p>
<p>[Enlace de URL / hc (has AS)]</p>
<p>[Enlace de URL / hc (has AS)]</p>
<p>[Enlace de URL / hc (has AS)]</p>
doxa.comunicación |
nº 41, pp. 417-445
July-December of 2025
Javier Gil Quintana and César Bernal Bravo
ISSN: 1696-019X / e-ISSN: 2386-3978
| 445
Xie, B. y Jaeger, P. T. (2008). Older adults and political participation on the Internet: a cross-cultural comparison of the USA
and China.
Journal of cross-cultural gerontology,
23(1), 1–15.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10823-007-9050-6
Xie, B. (2021). Information technology and older adults.
Encyclopedia of Gerontology and Population Aging
(pp. 1-10).
Springer, Cham.
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-22009-9
Zambrano, M.A. y Arcentales, L. (2024). La inclusión digital como herramienta de envejecimiento activo en adultos
mayores.
Revista Cientíca y Arbitrada de Ciencias Sociales y Trabajo Social: Tejedora
, 8(12).
https://acortar.link/Nskma4
<p>[Enlace de URL / hc (has AS)]</p>
<p>[Enlace de URL / hc (has AS)]</p>
<p>[Enlace de URL / hc (has AS)]</p>