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Lei X, Matovic D, Leung WY, Viju A, Wuthrich VM. The relationship between social media use and psychosocial outcomes in older adults: A systematic review. Int Psychogeriatr 2024:1-33. [PMID: 38287785 DOI: 10.1017/s1041610223004519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Social isolation and loneliness are prevalent in older adults and are detrimental to physical and mental health. Social media use has been shown to be effective in maintaining social connections and improving older adults' psychosocial outcomes. This study aimed to systematically review and synthesize current research on this topic. DESIGN Searches were conducted in November 2021 (and updated in October 2023) in PsycINFO, PubMed, and CINAHL. Inclusion criteria: (1) participants ≥ 65 years (mean, median, or minimum age) and (2) reported impact of social media use on psychosocial outcomes (including loneliness, depression, anxiety, social connectedness, wellbeing, life satisfaction, and quality of life). Quality appraisal tools were utilized, and results were synthesized using narrative synthesis. RESULTS Sixty-four papers met inclusion criteria, including cross-sectional (n = 38), observational longitudinal (n = 6), interventional (n = 9), mixed-methods (n = 4), and qualitative (n = 7) studies. Participant numbers ranged from 6 to 16,925. While associations between social media use and positive psychosocial outcomes were generally reported in cross-sectional studies, the impact of social media use over time from longitudinal studies was mixed and inconclusive. CONCLUSIONS While social media use is associated with positive psychosocial outcomes, casual conclusions cannot be drawn. Few longitudinal and randomized controlled trial studies existed, and these reported mixed findings. Large variations in study methodology including participants, measurement of social media use, and outcome measures contributed to the inconsistencies of findings. Addressing this heterogeneity through standardized approaches and more rigorous research may enhance understanding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojing Lei
- Macquarie University Lifespan Health & Wellbeing Research Centre, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
- School of Psychological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Diana Matovic
- Macquarie University Lifespan Health & Wellbeing Research Centre, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
- School of Psychological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Wing-Yin Leung
- Macquarie University Lifespan Health & Wellbeing Research Centre, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
- School of Psychological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Abhirami Viju
- Macquarie University Lifespan Health & Wellbeing Research Centre, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
- School of Psychological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Viviana M Wuthrich
- Macquarie University Lifespan Health & Wellbeing Research Centre, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
- School of Psychological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
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2
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Veenman E, Roelofs AAJ, Stolwijk ML, Bootsma AM, van Nispen RMA. Experiences of people with dual sensory loss in various areas of life: A qualitative study. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0272890. [PMID: 37682938 PMCID: PMC10490834 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0272890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Individuals with dual sensory loss (DSL) appear to have limited ability to compensate for their visual impairment with residual hearing, or for their hearing impairment with residual vision, resulting in challenges in various areas of life. The aim of this qualitative study was to explore the diverse experiences facing individuals with DSL as well as to determine how they experience sensory compensation. Semi-structured interviews were carried out in twenty adults with DSL (13 females and 7 males, mean age 47 years). The causes of DSL severity varied amongst participants. Sensory compensation and experiences in regards to access to information, mobility, communication and fatigue were discussed. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Framework analysis was used to summarize and interpret the data. In relation to access to information, our results show that, despite various challenges, the use of assistive technology such as voice command functions, enabled participants to operate effectively. Regarding mobility, most participants were capable of finding their way in familiar environments. However, if the setting was unfamiliar, assistance from others or reliance on navigation applications was necessary. Participants experienced little issues with having conversations in quiet settings, however, crowded settings were considered very difficult. The final results showed that most participants suffered from fatigue. Carefully considering which daily activities were feasible and having a daily routine helped to cope with fatigue. This study revealed the experiences of individuals with DSL in important areas of life. The results suggest that, even though many challenges are experienced, individuals with DSL are resourceful in finding compensation strategies. However, capturing participants' sensory compensation experiences was challenging.
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Affiliation(s)
- E. Veenman
- Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Ophthalmology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health, Quality of Care, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - M. L. Stolwijk
- Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Ophthalmology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health, Quality of Care, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - A. M. Bootsma
- Royal Dutch Visio – Het Loo Erf, Apeldoorn, The Netherlands
| | - R. M. A. van Nispen
- Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Ophthalmology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health, Quality of Care, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Dong L, Yang L. COVID-19 anxiety: The impact of older adults' transmission of negative information and online social networks. AGING AND HEALTH RESEARCH 2023; 3:100119. [PMID: 36718429 PMCID: PMC9877143 DOI: 10.1016/j.ahr.2023.100119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives This study examines the impact of older adults' online social networks on their COVID-19 anxiety, directly or indirectly through social transmission of negative information about COVID-19. Social networks were indexed by both bonding capital (i.e., social relationships formed with family and friends) and bridging capital (i.e., social relationships formed through casual social networks). Methods An on-line survey was conducted with 190 older adults who were in self-isolation in Ontario in the early waves of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Results Bonding and bridging capital showed different impacts on older adults' informational behavior and COVID-19 anxiety. While bonding capital deterred older adults from transmitting negative COVID-19 information and thus reduced COVID-19 anxiety, bridging capital contributed to increased dissemination of negative information and thus heightened older adults' anxiety. Discussion Our findings shed light on the detrimental behavioral and psychological impact of casual online social networks on older adults amidst a public health crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linying Dong
- Ted Rogers School of Information Technology Management, Toronto Metropolitan University
| | - Lixia Yang
- Department of Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University
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4
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Vasudeva S. Age in the Acceptance of Mobile Social Media. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF E-ADOPTION 2023. [DOI: 10.4018/ijea.316173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
This paper focuses on determining the age-based differences among consumers in terms of the acceptance of mobile social media. In doing so, the younger age group is represented by Generation Y and the elderly by Baby Boomers. Further, the famous UTAUT2 model is applied, and relationships mentioned in it are evaluated for the two age groups. For this purpose, a sample of 249 respondents was obtained from the online survey conducted in the state of Punjab in India. The statistical technique of multi-group path analysis using structural equation modelling (SEM) is applied to the generated data. The findings of the study reveal that the young age and elderly groups differ significantly in terms of the impact of effort expectancy, facilitating conditions, hedonic motivation on behavioral intention, and facilitating conditions on use behavior. It may provide important implications for future research related to internet marketing and mobile social media.
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Perceived Information Overload and Intention to Discontinue Use of Short-Form Video: The Mediating Roles of Cognitive and Psychological Factors. Behav Sci (Basel) 2023; 13:bs13010050. [PMID: 36661622 PMCID: PMC9854764 DOI: 10.3390/bs13010050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The current study investigated the effects of Chinese young adult users' perceived information overload (i.e., the daily perception of exposure to excessive information) on their intention to stop using short-form video applications. Specifically, this study accomplished this by measuring the direct and indirect effects of social media fatigue, maladaptive coping, and life dissatisfaction in relation to users' intention to discontinue their use of short-form video applications. The data were collected using a web-based survey and validated questionnaire, with a sample of 340 young adult (18-26 years old) respondents. The results indicated that perceived information overload had a direct effect on the intention to discontinue the use of short-form video applications. Moreover, short-form video fatigue, maladaptive coping, and life dissatisfaction all played mediating roles in the relationship between perceived information overload and the intention to discontinue the use of short-form video applications among young adults in China.
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Nan Y, Xie Y, Hu Y. Internet use and depression among Chinese older adults: The mediating effect of interpersonal relationship. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1102773. [PMID: 36935716 PMCID: PMC10022907 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1102773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The number of elderly Internet users has increased significantly in the past few years, and the Internet has greatly changed the way that older adults access information and communicate. Generally, those who regularly use the Internet may expand their range of interpersonal interactions, which has positive effects on their health. Depression is the leading cause of ill health, and is closely related to people's mental health. We sought to investigate whether internet use help reduce depression level among older adults. Using data from the 2020 China Family Panel Studies (CFPS), a total of 4,714 respondents were included to explore the effects of Internet use on the elderly's depression levels in China, along with the mediating role of interpersonal relationship in the above relationship. Regression results indicated that Internet use significantly reduced depression levels among the elderly. Further analysis showed that different Internet usage had different effects on depression among the elderly. Wechat chatting, video browsing, and online shopping were positively correlated with lower levels of depression. However, playing online games and online learning did not predict reduced levels of depression. Moreover, interpersonal relationship mediated the relationship between Internet use and depression levels. Internet use was associated with a higher level of interpersonal relationship, which in turn reduced depression levels in older adults. Regarding gender and regional differences, the coefficient of Internet use for urban older adults was significantly negative at 0.001 level, while it was not significant for rural older adults. A mediating effect of interpersonal relationship between Internet use and depression levels was only found for male elderly. To reduce the level of depression and promote mental health in the course of aging, Internet use and the improvement of interpersonal relationships merit special attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Nan
- Department of Social Security, School of Public Policy and Administration, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yating Xie
- Research Center for Social Governance Innovation, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Yating Xie
| | - Yuqun Hu
- Department of Social Security, School of Public Policy and Administration, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
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7
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Petersen B, Khalili-Mahani N, Murphy C, Sawchuk K, Phillips N, Li KZH, Hebblethwaite S. The association between information and communication technologies, loneliness and social connectedness: A scoping review. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1063146. [PMID: 37034933 PMCID: PMC10075275 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1063146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Older adults are at a higher risk of loneliness, compared to other demographics. The use of Internet Communication and Technologies (ICTs) among older adults is steadily increasing and given ICTs provide a means of enhancing social connectedness suggests they may have positive effects on reducing loneliness. Therefore, the aim of this scoping review was to examine the research that explores how ICTs may be implicated in mitigating loneliness and increasing social connectedness among older adults. After the examination of 54 articles, we identified three major themes within the literature: (1) ICTs were associated with a reduction in loneliness and increase in wellbeing. (2) ICTs promoted social connectedness by facilitating conversations. (3) Factors such as training, self-efficacy, self-esteem, autonomy, and the design/features, or affordances, of ICTs contribute toward the associations between ICT use and wellbeing. The heterogeneity of methodologies, statistical reporting, the small sample sizes of interventional and observational studies, and the diversity of the experimental contexts underline the challenges of quantitative research in this field and highlights the necessity of tailoring ICT interventions to the needs and contexts of the older users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berkley Petersen
- Laboratory for Adult Development and Cognitive Aging, Department of Psychology, Concordia University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- *Correspondence: Berkley Petersen,
| | - Najmeh Khalili-Mahani
- Media Health Lab, Department of Design and Computation Arts, Milieux Institute for Arts, Culture and Technology, Concordia University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- McGill Centre for Integrative Neuroscience, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Caitlin Murphy
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation (CRIR), Lethbridge-Layton-Mackay Rehabilitation Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Kim Sawchuk
- Aging and Communication Technologies (ACT), Department of Communication Studies, Concordia University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Natalie Phillips
- Laboratory of Cognition, Aging and Psychophysiology (CAP), Department of Psychology, Concordia University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Karen Z. H. Li
- Laboratory for Adult Development and Cognitive Aging, Department of Psychology, Concordia University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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Deviant behavior in cyberspace and emotional states. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-021-02370-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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9
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Ng SI, Lim XJ, Hsu HC. The Importance of Age-Friendly City on Older People's Continuity and Life Satisfaction. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18147252. [PMID: 34299703 PMCID: PMC8306623 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18147252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
According to continuity theory, successful aging is promoted when older people are able to continue familiar activities as a way to maintain self-identity. The purpose of this study was to examine the importance of both external resources provided by Taipei city and older adults’ internal resources in internal and external continuity and life satisfaction. The data were from the 2019 Taipei City Senior Citizen Condition Survey acquired through face-to-face interviews. Only the community-based sample without disability was included in the analysis (n = 1494). Structural equation modeling was used for the analysis. Both internal and external resources significantly promoted internal continuity (physical activity, Internet use, and lifelong learning) and external continuity (work, social connectedness, and social participation), and the effects of personal resources were larger. External continuity was positively related to life satisfaction. The effects of external resources on continuity and life satisfaction were stronger in older women than in older men. Age-friendly cities may provide support for activity continuity and promote well-being for older people. Policy suggestions are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siew-Imm Ng
- School of Business and Economics, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Seri Kembangan 43400, Malaysia; (S.-I.N.); (X.-J.L.)
| | - Xin-Jean Lim
- School of Business and Economics, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Seri Kembangan 43400, Malaysia; (S.-I.N.); (X.-J.L.)
| | - Hui-Chuan Hsu
- Research Center of Health Equity, School of Public Health, College of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Correspondence:
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10
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Niu G, Wang Y, Li Z, Zhou Z, Ni X, Sun X. Development and validation of a scale to measure internet self-expansion. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-021-01908-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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11
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Dominick W, Elam T, Fraus K, Taku K. Nontraditional Social Support, Core Belief Disruption, and Posttraumatic Growth during COVID-19. JOURNAL OF LOSS & TRAUMA 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/15325024.2021.1932968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Whitney Dominick
- Department of Psychology, Oakland University, Rochester, Michigan, USA
| | - Taylor Elam
- Department of Psychology, Oakland University, Rochester, Michigan, USA
| | - Katherine Fraus
- Department of Psychology, Oakland University, Rochester, Michigan, USA
| | - Kanako Taku
- Department of Psychology, Oakland University, Rochester, Michigan, USA
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12
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Sharifian N, Kraal AZ, Zaheed AB, Sol K, Morris EP, Zahodne LB. Measurement Invariance of Social Media Use in Younger and Older Adults and Links to Socioemotional Health. Innov Aging 2021; 5:igab009. [PMID: 33928196 PMCID: PMC8057130 DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igab009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Social media use has been linked to socioemotional health; however, less is known regarding whether these associations are moderated by age. Additionally, as the use of social media in older adult populations is rapidly increasing, there is a greater need for the investigation of psychometric properties of social media usage scales before determining age differences in the impact of social media on socioemotional health outcomes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Using an online adult life-span sample (n = 592), the current cross-sectional study tested the measurement invariance of the general social media usage subscale of the Media and Technology Usage and Attitudes Scale across younger (aged 19-54) versus older (aged 55-81) adults and whether age moderated associations between social media use and socioemotional health (depressive symptoms, self-esteem, and envy). RESULTS Confirmatory factor analyses revealed that posting-related and checking-related items were noninvariant across age groups. In multigroup structural equation models accounting for differential item functioning, higher social media use was associated with more depressive symptoms in younger adults, but not in older adults. While higher social media use was associated with higher envy in both age groups, this association was stronger in younger adults. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS Findings suggest younger adults may be more susceptible to the detrimental effects of social media use on socioemotional health. Future directions regarding the measurement of social media use and the salience of social media use across the life span are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neika Sharifian
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - A Zarina Kraal
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Afsara B Zaheed
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Ketlyne Sol
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Emily P Morris
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Laura B Zahodne
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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Yang HL, Zhang S, Zhang SQ, Xie L, Wu YY, Yao YD, Tang LL, Li ZY. Internet Use and Depressive Symptoms Among Older Adults in China. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:739085. [PMID: 34950065 PMCID: PMC8688754 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.739085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the effect of using the Internet on depression symptoms of older Chinese, based on 7,801 adults aged over 60 years from the 2018 China Family Panel Studies. Results showed that the elderly who used the Internet reported lower depression scores, and the more frequent they use Internet, the lower their depression scores. Moreover, using the Internet for social contact and entertainment decreased the depression scores of the older adults, but when using Internet for learn, work, and commercial activity, the relief of depressive symptoms disappeared. Therelief of depression symptoms through Internet use were heterogeneous among different groups: the elderly aged 60-70, women, rural residents, and those with lower education attainment. Moreover, Internet use decreased the depression scores by increasing the frequency of contact with their children and increasing the importance of their enjoyment of life. According to the relief of depression by using Internet reasonably, policies should be designed to ensure that all ages could have easy access to the Internet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua-Lei Yang
- School of Public Administration, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, Wuhan, China
| | - Shuo Zhang
- School of Public Administration, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, Wuhan, China
| | - Si-Qing Zhang
- School of Public Administration, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, Wuhan, China
| | - Lin Xie
- Department of Population and Labor Economics, University of Chinese Academy of Social Science, Beijing, China
| | - Yuan-Yang Wu
- School of Public Administration, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, Wuhan, China
| | - Yi-Dan Yao
- School of Public Administration, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, Wuhan, China
| | - Li-Li Tang
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai, China
| | - Zhi-Yun Li
- College of Politics and Public Administration, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
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Benvenuti M, Giovagnoli S, Mazzoni E, Cipresso P, Pedroli E, Riva G. The Relevance of Online Social Relationships Among the Elderly: How Using the Web Could Enhance Quality of Life? Front Psychol 2020; 11:551862. [PMID: 33123036 PMCID: PMC7566904 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.551862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
This observational study analyzes the impact of Internet use on the quality of life and well-being of the elderly. Specifically, it seeks to understand and clarify the effects of Internet use on relationships in terms of self-esteem, life satisfaction, and Online and Offline Social Support in a sample of senior and elderly Italian people (over 60 years of age). A cohort of 271 elderly people (133 males and 138 females) aged between 60 and 94 years old participated in the study: 236 were Internet Users while the other 35 were Non-Internet Users. The results showed that the time elderly people spend online has a negative effect on their perception of Offline Social Support (Offline Emotional and Informational and Offline Affective Social Support) and a positive effect on their perception of Online Social Support (particularly on Online Positive Social Interactions). Surprisingly, Internet use among elderly people seems to positively affect the perception of Offline Social Support. Indeed, elderly Internet Users have a more positive perception of Offline Social Support (particularly Offline Positive Social Interactions and Offline Affective Social Support) than Non-Internet Users. A discussion of this finding is provided, positing that the Internet seems to represent the technological side of a functional organ that allows the elderly to stay in closer touch with their family and friends and in doing so to also overcome some age-related difficulties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Benvenuti
- Istituto per le Tecnologie Didattiche, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Genova, Italy.,Dipartimento di Psicologia, ALMA MATER STUDIORUM - Università di Bologna, Cesena, Italy
| | - Sara Giovagnoli
- Dipartimento di Psicologia, ALMA MATER STUDIORUM - Università di Bologna, Cesena, Italy
| | - Elvis Mazzoni
- Dipartimento di Psicologia, ALMA MATER STUDIORUM - Università di Bologna, Cesena, Italy
| | - Pietro Cipresso
- Applied Technology for NeuroPsychology Lab, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milano, Italy.,Dipartimento di Psicologia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milano, Italy
| | - Elisa Pedroli
- Applied Technology for NeuroPsychology Lab, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milano, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Riva
- Applied Technology for NeuroPsychology Lab, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milano, Italy.,Dipartimento di Psicologia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milano, Italy
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