Connecting generations: The roles of age, time perception, and Facebook in family communication

Abstract Objective This study examined the impact of age on time perception and the use of social networking sites (SNSs), together with the role these factors play in family communication and social support. Background Drawing on socioemotional selectivity theory, which examines changes in the prioritization of emotionally meaningful relationships with age, this study integrated this perspective with current research on SNS usage. Facebook was chosen as the SNS due to its accessibility to multiple generations of users. Method An online survey of 172 younger (20–34 years old) and 117 older (65+ years old) Facebook users in the United States was conducted. Results Analysis revealed that younger adults considered time to be open‐ended, whereas older adults perceived it to be limited. Facebook use significantly enhanced family communication and social support, especially in older adults, where increased interaction with family on the platform was associated with greater perceived support—despite a negative direct relationship between age and social support. Conclusion This study demonstrated that age‐related shifts in time perception shape online social networks, where older adults formed family‐centered connections on Facebook that enhanced communication and social support. Implications The findings of this study have important implications for the understanding of age‐related SNS use and intergenerational communication via SNSs.