Positive education through social media to reduce negative stereotypes towards old age: a quasi-experimental study

Abstract

Objectives To assess the effectiveness of positive psychoeducation regarding aging, disseminated through social media channels, in mitigating negative stereotypes. Additionally, we aim to explore any potential associations between various sociodemographic variables and the prevalence of negative stereotypes towards the elderly. Methods This quasi-experimental study involved an experimental group comprising subjects who underwent a 7-day intervention. The study aimed to evaluate any alterations in negative stereotypes towards aging both before and after the intervention. The intervention consisted of daily publication of positive messages about aging on a social media account. Two questionnaires were used: one collecting sociodemographic variables and the Questionnaire for Evaluating Negative Stereotypes towards Aging. Snowball sampling through social media was employed, with 109 subjects completing the study. Results Participants who followed the social media intervention showed a reduction in scores on the Questionnaire for Evaluating Negative Stereotypes towards Aging. Sociodemographic variables did not show any interaction with negative stereotypes towards aging before and after the intervention. Discussion This investigations presents promising outcomes results in diminishing negative stereotypes regarding aging through psychoeducational efforts on social media. Despite certain limitations, the findgins highlight the potential of educational initiatives on social media platforms to enhance the health and well-being of individuals across different age cohorts.