Age Differences in Online Social Networking: Extending Socioemotional Selectivity Theory to Social Network Sites

Abstract

This article extends socioemotional selectivity theory to online social networking by examining age differences in the size and composition of Facebook networks across a wide age range of Facebook users (18 to 93 years old) in a nationally representative sample. Findings suggest increasing selectivity of Facebook social partners with age. Compared to younger adults, friend networks of older adults are smaller but contain a greater proportion of individuals who are considered to be actual friends. Moreover, a higher proportion of actual to total Facebook friends is associated with lower levels of social isolation and loneliness across the life span.

Additional information

Funding

The data were collected as part of the Cornell National Social Science Survey conducted by Cornell University Survey Research Institute. This research was supported in part by the USDA NIFA Hatch project No. 227270 awarded to the third author.

Notes on contributors

Pamara F. Chang

Pamara F. Chang (M.S., Cornell University) is a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Communication, Cornell University. Her research interests include the management of stigma information and identities mediated by communication and information technology, with a particular emphasis on health and social support.

Yoon Hyung Choi

Yoon Hyung Choi (M.S., Cornell University) is a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Communication, Cornell University. Her research interests include self-disclosure on social network sites and well-being.

Natalya N. Bazarova

Natalya N. Bazarova (Ph.D., Cornell University) is an assistant professor in the Department of Communication, Cornell University. Her research examines social interactions mediated by communication and information technology in dyads, groups, and networks, with a particular emphasis on self-disclosure, privacy, and social support.

Corinna E. Löckenhoff

Corinna E. Löckenhoff (Ph.D., Stanford University) is an associate professor of human development at Cornell University. Her research interests include age differences in time horizons, personality, and emotions and their implications for mental and physical health.