Enhancing social connectedness

How adults with vision impairment perceive and use social media in Nigeria

Bibliographic Data

ID12656216
AuthorsNnaemeka Meribe (0000-0002-9800-3861, La Trobe University, corresponding author), Emmanuel Bassey (0000-0001-9509-2160, Western University), Emmanuel Ita Bassey (Western University), Anthony Ekpo Bassey (University of Calabar), Caroline Ellison (0000-0003-2359-414X, University of South Australia)
Year2023
Volume26
Issue11
Pages6220-6234
Publication date2023-02-01
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueNew Media & Society (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1461-4448 • E-ISSN: 1461-7315
PublisherSAGE Publishing (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/14614448221148980
OpenAlexW4318832813
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited58

As the number of social media users continues to increase globally, it is important to explore the experiences of different segments of users. While research on social media use by people with vision impairment is growing, lacking is research in this area in Nigeria. This qualitative study describes the lived experiences and perceptions of social media use among Nigerian adults with vision impairment, using a transcendental approach. Findings showed that people with vision impairment experienced a reduction in social connectedness due to their vision impairment, but those who used social media were able to enhance social connectedness, increase social interaction, develop social relationships and expand their social networks. Participants described social media as a good medium for learning and education as it enabled ready access to information. Results indicated that supporting adults with vision impairment experiencing reduced social connectedness to engage with social media could help improve their social well-being

Perception · Qualitative research · Social connectedness · Social media · Social science · Sociology · Visual impairment · World Wide Web · Child Development and Digital Technology · Computer Science · Impact of Technology on Adolescents · Psychology · Social Psychology · Technology Adoption and User Behaviour

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