Seniors Facing Greater Risks Than Teens from Screens and AI, Experts Warn

While the addictive nature of social media and artificial intelligence on younger generations is a frequent topic of discussion, experts are raising alarms about the disproportionate impact these technologies may be having on older adults.

Dr. Stacey Wood, a clinical neuropsychologist and professor at Scripps College, expressed concern, noting that seniors may be less aware of how algorithms function and less equipped to discern credible information online. "Older people are maybe less aware of the algorithm’s power, like how they work… It’s really hard [for them] to discern what’s credible and what’s not," Wood stated.

Data indicates a significant online presence among older demographics. According to the AARP, nine in ten Americans over 50 are active on social media, with platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok being particularly popular. Statista reports that individuals over 65 spend an average of 104 minutes daily on social media. Furthermore, Pew research from February found that 23% of senior citizens use AI chatbots, with another 42% of those aged 50 to 64 doing the same.

Experts suggest that the ease of consuming short-form content could be creating a detrimental feedback loop for older individuals. Wood theorizes that this low-effort engagement might displace more cognitively stimulating activities, such as reading, which help maintain mental agility. "It’s a bad habit of mind," she commented.

Natalie Ebner, a psychologist at the University of Florida specializing in brain aging, pointed out that the brain's reward centers become less active with age, potentially making quick-hit content more potent. "They have to go for more in order to get the same," she explained. "The biggest threat [to older people is] the fast-evolving nature of the internet."

Aging individuals may also be more susceptible to believing information presented repeatedly and are more vulnerable to sensationalized or highly partisan content. Wood noted that research suggests older adults are significantly more likely to share highly partisan material, including misinformation, within their social networks.

While the long-term effects of addictive short-form content remain under investigation, existing studies on screen time and aging brains highlight potential risks. A 2025 review of studies involving adults over 40 indicated that "active" online activities, such as emailing or reading articles, were linked to better cognitive function, whereas passive consumption, like watching videos, was associated with poorer memory and cognition.

Research also suggests that compulsive technology use can be particularly harmful to aging brains. A 12-year study of nearly 90,000 adults found that moderate screen time correlated with a lower risk of dementia, while heavy usage was linked to an increased risk. A 2026 study involving individuals aged 60 to 89 associated problematic and excessive social media use with diminished cognitive and social functioning.

The rise of AI has also introduced new avenues for scammers, further increasing the vulnerability of older adults. Wood reported consulting with clients who have been financially devastated by AI-enhanced scams, some experiencing suicidal ideation as a result.

As digital natives, younger generations are increasingly observing their older relatives becoming engrossed in the same online habits that they themselves grapple with. The hope is that these observations will spur intergenerational conversations about responsible technology use.