Systematic review: The role of social support through social media in AI technology acceptance among older adults
Lingshan Li, Colin Joachim Smith
Full text PDF 
( Download count: 1)
AbstractArtificial intelligence technologies increasingly shape daily life, yet older adults often lack familiarity and confidence with them, and some may even feel intimidated. This disparity has created a phenomenon known as “the grey digital divide". While earlier research has focused on digital literacy and access, social and emotional factors, particularly the role of social support, are equally critical in enabling digital inclusion. Social media provides new channels for emotional reassurance, knowledge exchange, and intergenerational learning, offering a potential bridge to AI adoption.
This systematic review examines how social support via social media enhances older adults' AI technology acceptance. Using the Population Concept Context framework and applying the Technology Acceptance Model and Social Support Theory, we analyzed 21 peer-reviewed studies (2012–2025) from Web of Science, PubMed, IEEE Xplore, and EBSCOhost via PRISMA 2020 processes.
The findings reveal that informational and emotional support are the most influential factors in lowering older adults' anxiety and promoting perceived usefulness and ease of use. Facebook, WhatsApp, and WeChat were popular platforms for peer learning, family engagement, and community reassurance. In the context of cultural perspective, the finding was significantly moderated by outcomes. Culturally, collectivist societies emphasise emotional and familial support, individualistic place more value on autonomy and informational learning.
The review provided an opportunity to transform social media support for older adults to reduce anxiety, build confidence, and promote digital equity. For the practical implications, these include integrating social learning models into an AI literacy program, designing socially adaptive AI interfaces, and promoting intergenerational sustainable digital inclusion.Keywords: social support, social media, older adults, technology acceptance, digital inclusion, artificial intelligence
Lingshan Li, Colin Joachim Smith (2026). Systematic review: The role of social support through social media in AI technology acceptance among older adults. Gerontechnology, 25(4), 1-12
https://doi.org/10.30289/gt.202606_25(4).1686