Communication of Older People in Social Networks: The Role of Visual Images in Overcoming Loneliness

The article is devoted to the study of the peculiarities of the interaction of older people using photographs and other visual content in the online space of social networks. The study is based on biographical interviews with a group of older people from St. Petersburg and the Leningrad Region (N = 30). During these interviews, participants shared their personal stories and talked about how visual images and photographs affect their interaction on social media. They discussed how these images help them feel connected to other users of online platforms and how they help them cope with feelings of isolation and loneliness. One of the key findings of the study is that visual images posted by older people on social networks play a significant role in shaping their individual identity and self-representation. These images not only serve as a means of expressing personality, but also contribute to the creation of community and solidarity in the online community of older people. In addition, they serve as a protective mechanism, helping to minimize the negative emotional consequences of loneliness and providing a foothold in difficult situations. An equally important result of the study is the identification that communication through visual images in social networks contributes to the active expansion of the circle of communication of older people. Thanks to this, they have the opportunity to establish new connections, share experiences and ideas, which is important for maintaining psychological well-being and social integration.