Researchers Warn of 'Severe Digital Addiction' in Older Adults Facing Algorithmic Manipulation

Researchers across the United States and internationally are raising urgent concerns about older Americans' vulnerability to addictive algorithms and AI-driven social media, warning that adults 65 and older now spend an estimated 104 minutes daily on social media platforms — a level of engagement researchers link to anxiety, depression, and cognitive decline. A growing body of research published in early 2026 reveals that while the effects of social media on young minds have been extensively studied, older adults face distinct neurological and behavioral vulnerabilities to algorithmic manipulation that younger populations may better resist.