Longitudinal Analysis of the Relationship Between Purposes of Internet Use and Well-being Among Older Adults

Ágnes Szabó · Joanne Allen · Christine V Stephens · Fiona Alpass

290 citations0/0 files storedThe Gerontologist

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Technology Use by Older Adults Aging, Health, and Disability Aging and Gerontology Research

Abstract

Purpose: There is support for the role of Internet use in promoting well-being among older people. However, there are also contradictory findings which may be attributed to methodological issues. First, research has focused on frequency of online activity rather than how engagement in different types of online activities may influence well-being. Secondly, previous studies have used either cross-sectional designs, which cannot elucidate causality or intervention designs with uncontrolled extraneous variables. In this longitudinal observational study, we test the indirect impact of online engagement for social, informational, and instrumental purposes on older adults' well-being via reducing loneliness and supporting social engagement. Design and Method: A population sample of 1,165 adults aged 60-77 (M = 68.22, SD = 4.42; 52.4% female) was surveyed over 3 waves. Using longitudinal mediation analysis with demographic controls, the indirect effects of types of Internet use on well-being through loneliness and social engagement were estimated. Results: Participants engaged online for 3 purposes: social (e.g., connecting with friends/family), instrumental (e.g., banking), and informational (e.g., reading health-related information). Social use indirectly impacted well-being via decreased loneliness and increased social engagement. Informational and instrumental uses indirectly impacted well-being through engagement in a wider range of activities; however, were unrelated to loneliness. Implications: Findings highlight that Internet use can support older adults' well-being; however, not every form of engagement impacts well-being the same way. These findings will inform the focus of interventions which aim to promote well-being.

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References

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2019“Looking Up and Feeling Down”. The influence of mobile social networking site use on upward social comparison, self-esteem, and well-being of adult smartphone users 2022Older People’s Use of Digital Technology During the COVID-19 Pandemic 2020Social Media Communication and Loneliness Among Older Adults: The Mediating Roles of Social Support and Social Contact 2020Risk factors for loneliness: The high relative importance of age versus other factors

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