Reconnecting with the past: a framework to better serve the information needs of older people on social networking sites

Abstract

Purpose

Grounded in the socio-emotional selectivity theory, the purpose of this paper is to develop a people recommender and social matching system that better serves the information needs of older people on social networking sites or services (SNSs).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses systems development as a design science research methodology to construct a conceptual framework and then design and prototype a recommender system.

Findings

The research demonstrates that it is possible to exploit Google Maps-based interfaces, coupled with historical geo-temporal information, to develop a recommender system on SNSs that can empower older adults to reconnect with past acquaintances.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed system is an advanced prototype that has been tested using simulated data sets as opposed to real-life data involving actual end-users through field studies.

Practical implications

When examined through the lenses of socio-emotional and neighborhood theories, this research opens new opportunities to develop supportive social networks for older people.

Social implications

The paper promotes a better social engagement and contributes to the mental and physical health of older people, which can act as a shield against loneliness, anxiety and depression.

Originality/value

The paper uses Google Maps interfaces and the concept of geo-temporal proximity indices to build an “elder-friendly” recommender system that can assist older people to reconnect with past friends, neighbors and colleagues.

Citation

Kamoun, F., Gharbi, S. and Ghazeli, A.A. (2018), "Reconnecting with the past: a framework to better serve the information needs of older people on social networking sites", Working with Older People, Vol. 22 No. 3, pp. 154-165. https://doi.org/10.1108/WWOP-01-2018-0003