Understand the role of technology embodiment in facilitating social connectivity to address loneliness across the lifespan: A systematic review.

Background: Loneliness is an emerging societal emerging societal public health challenge affecting adults' well-being and overall quality of life across the lifespan. Leveraging communication technology presents an opportunity to support social connectivity and meaningful relationships among adults....

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Publicado en:Gerontechnology Vol. 22; no. 1; pp. 1 - 14
Autores principales: Mois, George, Leathers, Taylor A., Murphy, Alec, Emerson, Kerstin G., Washington, Tiffany R., Beer, Jenay M.
Formato: research systematic review tables/charts Journal Article
Publicado: International Society for Gerontechnology 2023
Acceso en línea:Ver este registro en EBSCOhost
Descripción
Sumario:Background: Loneliness is an emerging societal emerging societal public health challenge affecting adults' well-being and overall quality of life across the lifespan. Leveraging communication technology presents an opportunity to support social connectivity and meaningful relationships among adults. However, little is known about communication technologies' use, application, and functionalities to support connectivity for adults across the lifespan. Objective: This review aimed to understand the role of communication technologies in facilitating social connectivity across the aging process. Method: This review was conducted utilizing the PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews. After systematically reviewing the current literature a total of 15 studies met the inclusion criteria. Results: Communication technologies present opportunities to enhance and support social connectivity. The range in functionalities and applications of technologies represents a continuum of embodiment. Conclusion: Technologies with higher levels of embodiment may hold enhanced opportunities to expand the sense of social connectivity through use.