The association between internet use and depression among older adults in China: The mediating role of social networks

Chenyang Wang · Yuqi Zhu · Jin Ma · Jianxun Chu

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Technology Use by Older Adults Aging, Health, and Disability Health and Well-being Studies

Abstract

Objective: In the aging world, the depression of older adults has aroused great concern. It brings detrimental side effects to old adults and the sustainability of society. The information and communication technologies have reshaped how people live among which the Internet has gained much popularity in the senior community. This study aims to explore the association between Internet use and depression in older adults. Methods: This study applied a representative national dataset (China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey, CLASS 2018) to examine by conducting regression analysis. Inspired by the social capital theory, we further examined the mediating role of general social networks (as a general concept) and specific networks (family and friend networks) in reducing depression. All calculations and analyses were conducted by STATA. Results: (a) Internet use significantly reduces depressive symptoms among Chinese older adults; (b) internet use enhances social network support for Chinese older adults; and (c) social networks in general and family networks and friend networks in specific all play a mediating role between internet use and depression symptoms. Conclusion: This work proved that internet use could reduce depression levels in older adults in China, and social networks, including family networks and friend networks, have a mediation role in the relationship between internet use and depression in older adults in China. Combined with the Chinese social context, we explained that the existence of an empty-nest elderly community in Chinese society and the emphasis on kinship in Chinese tradition may be the reasons. Based on the main findings, tailor-made suggestions for addressing depression issues among older adults were discussed.

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References

1985Stress, social support, and the buffering hypothesis.2005Socioeconomic Status and Mental Illness: Tests of the Social Causation and Selection Hypotheses.2016The Benefits of Social Technology Use Among Older Adults Are Mediated by Reduced Loneliness 2010Social network determinants of depression 2008Longitudinal linkages between perceived social support and posttraumatic stress symptoms: Sequential roles of social causation and social selection 2000Prevalence of Depression and Its Treatment in an Elderly Population: The Cache County Study 2010The Relationship between Excessive Internet Use and Depression: A Questionnaire-Based Study of 1,319 Young People and Adults 2019How to Deal With Reverse Causality Using Panel Data? Recommendations for Researchers Based on a Simulation Study

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2025The causal effect of Internet use on rural middle-aged and older adults’ depression: A propensity score matching analysis

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