FAKE NEWS AND VIRTUAL SCAMS AGAINST ELDERLY PEOPLE: CHALLENGES AND EDUCATIONAL INTERVENTIONS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56238/arev7n8-250Keywords:
Seniors, Scams, Fake News, Digital SecurityAbstract
Population aging and the expansion of digital technologies pose new challenges for the social inclusion of older adults, especially regarding their vulnerability to online misinformation. This study aims to analyze, through a systematic review of the Scopus database, the main factors that make older adults susceptible to scams and fake news, as well as identify media literacy strategies that contribute to strengthening the autonomy and digital security of this population. Twelve articles published between 2014 and 2024 were selected, analyzing the cognitive, emotional, and social factors related to older adults' vulnerability, such as declining memory of origin, trust in familiar content, and the repetition of false information. The results indicate that educational programs adapted to the realities of older adults, using resources such as WhatsApp, interactive games, and analysis of real-life cases, proved effective in developing critical thinking and reducing exposure to misinformation. In addition to the pedagogical aspect, the presence of emotional and family support was identified as an important element in strengthening digital self-esteem and online security among older adults. It is concluded that humanized and adapted strategies are essential to promote digital inclusion and protect this population in the virtual environment.
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References
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