Discussion: Social Media Scenarios
Presented below are some scenarios that involve older adults using social media that could cause negative consequences for them. You can use them to brainstorm ideas for supporting them afterwards. Review the scenarios and research strategies to use to help each older adult. You can work on these independently, in small groups, or as a full team. Your teacher/coordinator will help determine how the work will be divided and which scenarios will be covered.
For each scenario, ask what you might do to help this fictional person if they come to you with the same or a similar issue. You may also want to think about what you could have done to help prevent these actions from occurring. You may need to do some research to determine the best ways to counter their actions.
Sheila Overshare
- Scenario: Sheila just turned 65. She was so excited she posted her new Medicare card online to celebrate and forget to blur the numbers.
- Result: This could lead to identity theft or financial fraud if someone unscrupulous sees the post.
Friendly Freddie
- Scenario: Freddie receives a friend request from someone posing as a relative or old friend. The "friend" has asked for his address to send him a card and requested a "loan" to tide him over.
- Result: The information could be used for malicious purposes like scams or fraud.
Julie the Jokester
- Scenario: Julie posted a joke about one of her friends on Facebook. Her friend didn't find it very funny. She actually found it offensive and has reposted negative things about Julie to friends and family.
- Result: Posting humorous or offensive information has led to a strained relationship that is now impacting family and friends.
Public Paolo
- Scenario: Paolo never changed his privacy settings on his social media accounts. He's now getting messages he doesn't want from people all over the globe. Some of the messages are not friendly and are very personal.
- Result: Personal photos, information, and posts could be seen, shared, or used by anyone, including marketers or potential criminals. Privacy settings can control who sees your posts and who can contact you.
General D. Bates
- Scenario: General Bates is very proud of his military service and has taken to writing very passionate and forceful posts on social media sites for veterans, political organizations, and others. The General rarely follows proper online etiquette protocols and includes name-calling and ridiculing others.
- Result: Name-calling and ridiculing others over political or controversial topics could lead to harassment or bullying—online or in person. There are ways to express opinions or disagree without belittling others or causing an uproar.
Farrah Fake News
- Scenario: Farrah found and shared an article on one of her social media posts that she thought seemed legitimate but is actually false or misleading.
- Result: Not fact-checking information can contribute to the spread of misinformation. It can potentially harm someone's credibility among friends and family.