Short Video Use and Information Verification among Adults Aged 50 and Older: An Exploratory Online Survey

Abstract

           This exploratory study describes short-video viewing patterns, interaction practices, and self-reported information verification among adults aged 50 and older. A brief online questionnaire yielded 35 responses reported as valid. Digital inequality and media literacy provide an analytical framework separating access and routine use from critical evaluation. The available findings identify one to two hours as a commonly reported daily viewing range, with health tips, opera clips, and humorous everyday stories among the preferred content. Liking is described as a more common interaction than commenting or producing videos. The source summary also reports encounters with health information regarded as false, some belief and forwarding, and limited source checking. These findings are retained as descriptive patterns because item-level counts, the full questionnaire, and the response dataset are unavailable. Reported exposure is distinguished from objectively verified misinformation, and limited public interaction is not equated with deficient critical thinking. The study identifies information-checking practices as a topic for further assessment and supports context-sensitive discussion of platform, family, and community assistance.