Some seniors find themselves spending hours watching short videos and micro-dramas, while others become engrossed in livestreamed shopping events or compulsively engage with apps that promote "reward" and "cashback" offers. These behaviors underscore a growing challenge: finding a balance between the digital conveniences that smartphones provide and maintaining healthy usage habits among older adults.
Yuan Guangkuo (Jinan Times): The enticing features of certain mobile applications play a major role in smartphone addiction among the elderly. Many seniors lack experience in using mobile devices, which often leads them to download apps unintentionally. Unfortunately, they may also struggle to uninstall these unnecessary applications. Developers specifically target this demographic, creating apps designed to capture the attention of older adults, ultimately driving website traffic and generating revenue through advertising.
These apps often offer minimal monetary rewards for seniors who spend time browsing videos or viewing advertisements. While this may seem harmless at first, excessive app downloads can slow down their devices. More importantly, smartphone addiction can negatively impact seniors' physical health, as excessive screen time reduces opportunities for exercise. Additionally, this behavior can lead to the impulsive purchase of unnecessary and low-quality products, causing distress for their families.
In light of these issues, it is essential for younger family members to assist their elderly relatives in overcoming online addiction during summer and winter holidays. This includes not only removing unnecessary apps but also raising awareness about the dangers of smartphone overindulgence.
Encouraging seniors to explore a variety of interests and activities can lead to a more balanced and fulfilling lifestyle.
Bai Zhenzhi (People's Daily): To help wean the elderly off smartphones, some college students dedicate time to chatting and spending time outdoors with seniors. They assist older adults in identifying and removing apps from unknown sources, educate them about the scamming tactics used by unscrupulous livestreamers and disable features such as "password-free payment" and "auto-download." While these efforts enhance the security of smartphone usage, the involvement of college students alone is not enough.
College students' holidays are limited, so when they return to campus, other family members at home should step in to offer companionship to the elderly. Also, community workers and volunteers can play a role by organizing activities and improving services aimed at diverting seniors' attention away from their phones.
Regulatory authorities should impose strict penalties for violations to help improve the overall online ecosystem. Apps that violate rules or regulations should be either rectified or removed from the marketplace. Furthermore, blacklists should be implemented to prevent previously banned accounts from resurfacing. It is also essential to establish mechanisms that protect the legitimate rights and interests of the elderly in the online environment.
The smartphone market requires further regulation. Phone manufacturers, online platforms and app developers must all take responsibility and avoid actions that infringe on the rights of the elderly. Smart devices should serve as healthy, long-term companions for seniors rather than merely profit-driven tools. In conclusion, society as a whole should contribute to ensuring that the elderly can use smartphones safely and sensibly, rather than relying solely on college students for support. BR
