Challenges in Social Media Use Among Deaf and Hard of Hearing People

Abstract

The use of social media has grown considerably in recent years, spreading to diverse areas of life, such as education. It attracted researchers to examine users with hearing loss due to their challenges in use. Even though the literature is recent and provides valuable recommendations towards overcoming these challenges, due to the rapid development of social media, they may change regularly. Consequently, stakeholders may not be aware of the appropriate interpretation of these recommendations. Thus, the chapter provides a comprehensive insight into the use of social media among the deaf and hard of hearing, along with the benefits and challenges in use. Existing recommendations towards overcoming the challenges are reviewed, and approaches for design of social media and its efficient use are proposed. The findings may serve social media developers, educators, social inclusion advisors and policy makers on how to apply social media as an inclusive tool for participation in society.