"I feel like I'm getting younger": Investigating the social connections of older handicraft vloggers on the social platform Bilibili

Abstract

Social connections are essential for healthy ageing, and technologies now make it possible for people from different age groups to form social connections. Many recent studies aim to assist older adults in building social connections through the use of technologies. However, existing research focuses on Western social media platforms, with limited knowledge of how other popular social media sites are used by older adults. In this study, we interviewed four older people who share handicraft videos on Bilibili, a popular social platform in China, and analysed 120 comments left on their videos. Our qualitative analysis highlights the social connections formed by older handicraft vloggers on the Bilibili. We concluded by discussing two key lessons: 1) social media can be a valuable platform for older adults to share cultural knowledge; and 2) creating interest-based online communities could provide more opportunities for building friendships, community belonging, and societal engagement in later life.