Barriers to Social Media Engagement Among People With Dementia: A Qualitative Survey

Social media can offer benefits for people with dementia, including enhanced social connectivity, peer support, and access to information. However, digital exclusion remains an issue, and little is known about factors that deter engagement. This study explored barriers to social media use from the perspectives of people with dementia and their unpaid carers. An online survey was completed by 227 participants (179 carers; 48 people with dementia), including questions about attitudes toward social media. Reflexive thematic analysis of open responses generated six themes: (1) Perceived value of social media; (2) Generational and age-limiting beliefs; (3) Digital access and literacy; (4) Perceived (un)safety of social media; (5) Symptoms of dementia; (6) Heavy caring loads. Social, cognitive, and technological factors perpetuate exclusion from social media among people with dementia. Addressing these barriers requires improved digital access, literacy, and safety, alongside more inclusive platform design and support for carers facilitating engagement.