Social Media and a senior citizen

I am a senior person, still working but having some time on my hands. So I joined whatsapp group with extended family. At this age, I want to enrich my life with discussions on art, history philosophy or any other suitable topic that can start a meaningful discussion. All I see are a photo of God in the morning and series of forwards. I have not seen one original opinion so far. Why is that? Why are people so afraid to voice a opinion?
Then I joined a group from my old college mates. Even after reaching the sixties, the veiled remarks people make as if they are immature college students never goes away. Even there, I could see that gender plays a major role. It is the same repeated forwards, senseless good mornings with all kinds of picture backgrounds.
I tried using senior chat site. Most of them are for people who are trying to find a date. At my age, I don't need a date. The first question that pops up is, male or female and age. Why do people need my age or gender? I am not looking for a relationship. I am trying to have a conversation.
So I am really not sure if social media is bringing us together. People say it is making the world smaller. But I am not sure about it. I am insearch of a meaninful pursuit for rest of my life. But I have decided whatsapp or chat will not help in this process. My present situation makes me homebound for a couple of years. Hence search for spiritual satisfaction.