Social Networking and Design

Online Social Networks for Older Adults The online social networks have become the fastest tools to share information. Presently, increasing number of people have resorted using online social networks. Most especially, some older people have also settled down with online social networks to broaden their knowledge. The objective of this study is to explore the online social networks for older adults. The study reviews two different research articles that focus on the online social networking for the older adults.

The first article discusses the different between the online social networking platform between the UK and Cyprus. While the second article discusses the policy to assist older people having an increased access to online networking. Online Social Networks for Older Adults Michailidou, Parmaxi, & Zaphiris, (2014) investigates the cultural effects of online social networking for older people. The authors argue the use of computer has increased among older adults because this category of people has taken the advantages of online social networks to communicate with peers and seek for social supports.

Based on the argument of the authors, their study has enhanced a greater understanding of the researcher making them understand that online communities have become a conceptualized virtual communities that assist users in sharing interests using the social media platforms that include Facebook, YouTube and Twitter. Michailidou, Parmaxi, & Zaphiris, (2014) reveal that there is a cultural difference in perceptions of supports that older adults in the UK and Cyprus receive.

The online interactive design is different in the two countries, while, the UK follows the western style, older people in Cyprus still has a strong bond with the family. Jaeger, & Xie, (2008) contribute to the argument by pointing out that online social networking has become an important tool for community participation and social interaction. While online community has been accessible for older adults, nevertheless, there is a need to develop online community tools that will be more accessible for older adults.

The authors argue that older adults may not be able to have limited access to the internet because some of them lack financial ability and technical barriers to access the internet. Jaeger, & Xie, (2008) discuss different benefits that older adults can derive from online social networking. The authors point out that online social networks have reduced the hazard associated with using outdated information to solve problems. The social networking also offers the opportunities to seek professional advice globally.

Additionally, older people have been able to improve their cognitive development by participating in the online community forum. While older people can derive benefits from an online forum, nevertheless, there is still a need to make policy that will assist older people having access to quality information. For example, "Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, a federal law, focuses directly on making information accessible.

The technology-centric standards address the online needs of persons with visual, auditory, mobility, neurocognitive, and learning disabilities as well as the needs of persons with very specific conditions, such as seizure disorders." (Jaeger, & Xie, (2008 p 57). Thus, it is important to mandate all web designers for an online community forum to design a website that will incorporate an iterative design that will integrate communication and information tools that will be usable, functional and accessible for older adults. Conclusion The.