Older Adults’ Activities on Facebook: Can Affordances Predict Intrinsic Motivation and Well-Being?

This study investigated how older adults’ use of specific features on Facebook is associated with intrinsic motivation and well-being. A content analysis and an online survey were conducted with Facebook users older than 60 years (N = 202). Results showed that profile customization and commenting are positively associated with feelings of autonomy and relatedness, respectively, both predictors of enjoyment on Facebook. Posting photos is positively associated with a feeling of competence, which is related to well-being. The findings advance knowledge about the theoretical mechanisms underlying effects of Facebook use on well-being, and provides design recommendations that address older users’ needs.