Here’s why older people are among the biggest users of social media

The Australian government’s recent decision to ban under 16s from social media has focused attention on the harms it can cause – especially for young people.

But young people are just one segment of the population who use social media. According to the Digital 2024 report, 78.3 per cent of Australians regularly use platforms such as Facebook and Instagram – mainly for keeping in touch with friends and family.