Twitter discussions about the predicaments of robots in geriatric nursing: forecast of nursing robotics in aged care

Abstract

BACKGROUND: People use social media to express perceptions, attitudes and a wide range of concerns regarding human life. AIM: This study aims at analysing the ongoing discussions on the internet microblog Twitter and offers some coming predicaments regarding developments in geriatric nursing regarding nursing robots. METHODS: Data were retrospectively collected from Twitter. 1322 mentions were included in the final analyses, where principles of interpreting data by using netnography were utilized. RESULTS: Many ideas are presented expressing functional, psychological and social aspects of robots in nursing care. Most postings come from metropolitan cities around the globe. The discussion focuses on market-driven, science fiction solutions for aged care. Twitter users overall seem to be positive using various nursing robots in aged care. These discussions offer a window into the attitudes and ideas of this group of users. CONCLUSION: We suggest that monitoring Twitter discussions on social media can provide valuable insights into current attitudes as well as forecast coming trends.