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Nie Z, Gao S, Chen L, Yang R, Edelman LS, Sward KA, Jiang Y, Demiris G. Social media use and mental health among older adults with multimorbidity: the role of self-care efficacy. J Am Med Inform Assoc 2024:ocae179. [PMID: 38990654 DOI: 10.1093/jamia/ocae179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To describe the prevalence and trends in the use of social media over time and explore whether social media use is related to better self-care efficacy and thus related to better mental health among United States older adults with multimorbidity. MATERIALS AND METHODS Respondents aged 65 years+ and having 2 or more chronic conditions from the 2017-2020 Health Information National Trends Survey were analyzed (N = 3341) using weighted descriptive and logistic regression analyses. RESULTS Overall, 48% (n = 1674) of older adults with multimorbidity used social media and there was a linear trend in use over time, increasing from 41.1% in 2017 to 46.5% in 2018, and then further up to 51.7% in 2019, and 54.0% in 2020. Users were often younger, married/partnered, and non-Hispanic White with high education and income. Social media use was associated with better self-care efficacy that was further related to better mental health, indicating a significant mediation effect of self-care efficacy in the relationship between social media use and mental health. DISCUSSION Although older adults with multimorbidity are a fast-growing population using social media for health, significant demographic disparities exist. While social media use is promising in improving self-care efficacy and thus mental health, relying on social media for the management of multimorbidity might be potentially harmful to those who are not only affected by multimorbidity but also socially disadvantaged (eg, non-White with lower education). CONCLUSION Great effort is needed to address the demographic disparity and ensure health equity when using social media for patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuoting Nie
- School of Nursing, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
| | - Shiying Gao
- School of Nursing, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
| | - Long Chen
- School of Nursing, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
| | - Rumei Yang
- School of Nursing, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
| | - Linda S Edelman
- College of Nursing, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, United States
| | - Katherine A Sward
- College of Nursing, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, United States
| | - Yun Jiang
- School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - George Demiris
- School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
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Wu W, Huang L, Yang F. Social anxiety and problematic social media use: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Addict Behav 2024; 153:107995. [PMID: 38401423 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2024.107995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
Some theories posit a close relationship between social anxiety and problematic social media use; however, empirical findings are inconsistent, and existing hypotheses are conflicting. Hence, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to clarify the relationship between social anxiety and problematic social media use. After searching and screening the literature, we identified 53 studies, including 59,928 participants and 56 effect sizes, for analysis. A meta-analysis was subsequently performed using CMA software. Results showed that social anxiety and problematic social media use were highly positively correlated. The moderating effect results suggested that the relationship between social anxiety and problematic social media use was influenced by the measurement instrument, sex, publication year, and platform type; however, the relationship was not moderated by region and age. It is suggested to consider social anxiety in the treatment of problematic social media use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenfeng Wu
- School of Psychology, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang, China
| | - Liangrong Huang
- School of Psychology, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang, China.
| | - Fang Yang
- School of Psychology, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang, China
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Chishima I, Nakagomi A, Ide K, Shioya R, Saito M, Kondo K. The Purpose of Internet Use and Face-To-Face Communication With Friends and Acquaintances Among Older Adults: A JAGES Longitudinal Study. J Appl Gerontol 2024:7334648241240562. [PMID: 38671556 DOI: 10.1177/07334648241240562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Internet use influences social interactions in society. However, there is no consensus on whether and what kind of Internet use increases face-to-face communication (FFC). This study investigated the mode of Internet use that increases FFC among older adults after three years. Participants were 8734 adults aged 65 or older who responded to the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study (JAGES) surveys in 2016 and 2019. The exposures were the purposes of Internet use in 2016. The outcome was the frequency of FFC with friends or acquaintances in 2019. The confounders included 13 demographic, socioeconomic, and psychological variables. We performed modified Poisson regression analyses and found that Internet use for communication in 2016 increased FFC in 2019, especially for low-frequency FFC in 2016. Internet-based non-FFC may help promote FFC and prevent social isolation among older adults who are less likely to interact with others.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iwao Chishima
- Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
- Futaba Clinic, Futaba-cho, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Atsushi Nakagomi
- Center for Preventive Medical Sciences, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Kazushige Ide
- Center for Preventive Medical Sciences, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Ryunosuke Shioya
- Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Masashige Saito
- Faculty of Social Welfare, Nihon Fukushi University, Chita-gun, Japan
- Center for Well-Being and Society, Nihon Fukushi University, Chita-gun, Japan
| | - Katsunori Kondo
- Center for Preventive Medical Sciences, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
- Center for Gerontology and Social Science, Research Institute, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Obu, Japan
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Chou YH, Lin C, Lee SH, Lee YF, Cheng LC. User-Friendly Chatbot to Mitigate the Psychological Stress of Older Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Development and Usability Study. JMIR Form Res 2024; 8:e49462. [PMID: 38477965 DOI: 10.2196/49462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To safeguard the most vulnerable individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic, numerous governments enforced measures such as stay-at-home orders, social distancing, and self-isolation. These social restrictions had a particularly negative effect on older adults, as they are more vulnerable and experience increased loneliness, which has various adverse effects, including increasing the risk of mental health problems and mortality. Chatbots can potentially reduce loneliness and provide companionship during a pandemic. However, existing chatbots do not cater to the specific needs of older adult populations. OBJECTIVE We aimed to develop a user-friendly chatbot tailored to the specific needs of older adults with anxiety or depressive disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic and to examine their perspectives on mental health chatbot use. The primary research objective was to investigate whether chatbots can mitigate the psychological stress of older adults during COVID-19. METHODS Participants were older adults belonging to two age groups (≥65 years and <65 years) from a psychiatric outpatient department who had been diagnosed with depressive or anxiety disorders by certified psychiatrists according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Fifth Edition) (DSM-5) criteria. The participants were required to use mobile phones, have internet access, and possess literacy skills. The chatbot's content includes monitoring and tracking health data and providing health information. Participants had access to the chatbot for at least 4 weeks. Self-report questionnaires for loneliness, depression, and anxiety were administered before and after chatbot use. The participants also rated their attitudes toward the chatbot. RESULTS A total of 35 participants (mean age 65.21, SD 7.51 years) were enrolled in the trial, comprising 74% (n=26) female and 26% (n=9) male participants. The participants demonstrated a high utilization rate during the intervention, with over 82% engaging with the chatbot daily. Loneliness significantly improved in the older group ≥65 years. This group also responded positively to the chatbot, as evidenced by changes in University of California Los Angeles Loneliness Scale scores, suggesting that this demographic can derive benefits from chatbot interaction. Conversely, the younger group, <65 years, exhibited no significant changes in loneliness after the intervention. Both the older and younger age groups provided good scores in relation to chatbot design with respect to usability (mean scores of 6.33 and 6.05, respectively) and satisfaction (mean scores of 5.33 and 5.15, respectively), rated on a 7-point Likert scale. CONCLUSIONS The chatbot interface was found to be user-friendly and demonstrated promising results among participants 65 years and older who were receiving care at psychiatric outpatient clinics and experiencing relatively stable symptoms of depression and anxiety. The chatbot not only provided caring companionship but also showed the potential to alleviate loneliness during the challenging circumstances of a pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Hsin Chou
- Department of Psychiatry, Taoyuan Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan County, Taiwan
| | - Chemin Lin
- Department of Psychiatry, Keelung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung City, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan County, Taiwan
- Community Medicine Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung, Taiwan
| | - Shwu-Hua Lee
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan County, Taiwan
- Department of Psychiatry, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan County, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Fen Lee
- Department of Information and Finance Management, National Taipei University of Technology, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Li-Chen Cheng
- Department of Information and Finance Management, National Taipei University of Technology, Taipei, Taiwan
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Wang D, Liu X, Chen K, Gu C, Zhao H, Zhang Y, Luo Y. Risks and protection: a qualitative study on the factors for internet addiction among elderly residents in Southwest China communities. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:531. [PMID: 38378524 PMCID: PMC10880227 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-17980-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the global trend of actively promoting the participation of older adults in the digital age, the relevant negative issues featuring potential Internet Addiction (IA) among them has risen to be a new challenge facing the global public health. However, there is a severe lack of related research. This study aimed to gain a comprehensive understanding of the phenomenon and process of IA among the elderly. The purpose of this paper is to introduce factors that may influence IA in the demographic. METHODS This study employed qualitative descriptive research methods to investigate older adults' perceptions and experiences of IA. Semi-structured in-depth personal interviews were conducted between March and June 2023 with 36 senior citizens from urban communities in Chongqing, Southwest China. Data were analyzed via inductive content analysis methods. RESULTS Through data analysis, 2 main categories concerning IA in older adults were identified: risk factors and protective factors. The risk factor categories include 5 individual factors (e.g., Internet as the major avenue for pursuing personal hobbies and interests, etc.), 3 family factors (e.g., household WIFI increasing the risk of prolonged Internet use indoors, etc.), 2 peer factors (e.g., peer recommendation and guidance as catalysts for intensified Internet engagement, etc.), 2 socio-environmental factors (e.g., the widespread daily Internet use spurs offline intolerance, etc.), and 3 Internet platform factors (e.g., the plenitude of online content triggers endless viewing/browsing behaviors, etc.). The category of protective factors encompasses 2 individual factors (e.g., a higher level of perceived risk regarding internet health hazards, etc.) and 2 family factors (e.g., more family commitment, etc.). CONCLUSIONS Older adults' Internet addictive behaviors are shaped by multiple and complex internal and external factors. A higher level of online health risk perception is a key protective factor to effectively avoid the occurrence and deterioration of IA among the aged, a distinct finding from this study. It is believed that the "individual-family-peer-community" synergy strategy is expected to become an essential direction for IA intervention for older adults, in order to promote healthy Internet use among older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Wang
- School of Nursing, Army Medical University, Third Military Medical University, No. 30 Gaotanyan Street, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Xinyi Liu
- School of Nursing, Army Medical University, Third Military Medical University, No. 30 Gaotanyan Street, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Kun Chen
- School of Nursing, Army Medical University, Third Military Medical University, No. 30 Gaotanyan Street, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Chunyan Gu
- Shuangbei Community Health Service Center, No.14 Shuangbei Street, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 400030, China
| | - Hongyan Zhao
- Xiaolongkan Community Health Service Center, No.4 Xiaolongkan Street, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 400030, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- Shuangbei Community Health Service Center, No.14 Shuangbei Street, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 400030, China
| | - Yu Luo
- School of Nursing, Army Medical University, Third Military Medical University, No. 30 Gaotanyan Street, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 400038, China.
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Hughes G, Moore L, Hennessy M, Sandset T, Jentoft EE, Haldar M. What kind of a problem is loneliness? Representations of connectedness and participation from a study of telepresence technologies in the UK. Front Digit Health 2024; 6:1304085. [PMID: 38440196 PMCID: PMC10910053 DOI: 10.3389/fdgth.2024.1304085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Loneliness is represented in UK policy as a public health problem with consequences in terms of individual suffering, population burden and service use. However, loneliness is historically and culturally produced; manifestations of loneliness and social isolation also require social and cultural analysis. We explored meanings of loneliness and social isolation in the UK 2020-2022 and considered what the solutions of telepresence technologies reveal about the problems they are used to address. Through qualitative methods we traced the introduction and use of two telepresence technologies and representations of these, and other technologies, in policy and UK media. Our dataset comprises interviews, fieldnotes, policy documents, grey literature and newspaper articles. We found loneliness was represented as a problem of individual human connection and of collective participation in social life, with technology understood as having the potential to enhance and inhibit connections and participation. Technologically-mediated connections were frequently perceived as inferior to in-person contact, particularly in light of the enforced social isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic. We argue that addressing loneliness requires attending to other, related, health and social problems and introducing technological solutions requires integration into the complex social and organisational dynamics that shape technology adoption. We conclude that loneliness is primarily understood as a painful lack of co-presence, no longer regarded as simply a subjective experience, but as a social and policy problem demanding resolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gemma Hughes
- School of Business, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Lucy Moore
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Megan Hennessy
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Tony Sandset
- Centre for Sustainable Healthcare Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Elian E. Jentoft
- Centre for the Study of Digitalization of Public Services and Citizenship, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
| | - Marit Haldar
- Centre for the Study of Digitalization of Public Services and Citizenship, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
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Zolkepli IA, Tariq R, Isawasan P, Shamugam L, Mustafa H. The effects of negative social media connotations on subjective wellbeing of an ageing population: A stressor-strain-outcome perspective. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0296973. [PMID: 38289938 PMCID: PMC10826960 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0296973] [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: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent years, users' privacy concerns and reluctance to use have posed a challenge for the social media and wellbeing of its users. There is a paucity of research on elderly users' negative connotations of social media and the way these connotations contribute to developing passive behaviour towards social media use, which, in turn, affects subjective wellbeing. To address this research vacuum we employed the stressor-strain-outcome (SSO) approach to describe the evolution of passive social media use behaviour from the perspective of communication overload, complexity, and privacy. We conceptualized subjective wellbeing as a combination of three components-negative feelings, positive feelings, and life satisfaction. Negative and positive feelings were used to derive an overall affect balance score that fluctuates between 'unhappiest possible' and 'happiest possible'. The proposed research framework was empirically validated through 399 valid responses from elderly social media users. Our findings reveal that communication overload and complexity raise privacy concerns among social media users, which leads to passive usage of social media. This passive social media use improved the subjective wellbeing favourably by lowering negative feelings and raising positive feelings and life satisfaction. The findings also revealed that respondents' overall affect balance leans towards positive feelings as a consequence of passive social media use. This study contributes to the field of technostress by illuminating how the SSO perspective aid the comprehension of the way passive social media use influences the subjective wellbeing of its users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izzal Asnira Zolkepli
- School of Communication, Universiti Sains Malaysia, George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
| | - Rehan Tariq
- School of Communication, Universiti Sains Malaysia, George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
| | - Pradeep Isawasan
- College of Computing, Informatics and Mathematics, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Perak Branch, Seri Iskandar, Malaysia
| | - Lalitha Shamugam
- School of Communication, Universiti Sains Malaysia, George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
| | - Hasrina Mustafa
- School of Communication, Universiti Sains Malaysia, George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
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Thangavel G, Memedi M, Hedström K. Information and Communication Technology for Managing Social Isolation and Loneliness Among People Living With Parkinson Disease: Qualitative Study of Barriers and Facilitators. J Med Internet Res 2024; 26:e48175. [PMID: 38231548 PMCID: PMC10831595 DOI: 10.2196/48175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parkinson disease (PD) is a complex, noncurable, and progressive neurological disease affecting different areas of the human nervous system. PD is associated with both motor and nonmotor symptoms, which negatively affect patients' quality of life and may cause changes in socialization such as intentional social withdrawal. This may further lead to social isolation and loneliness. The use of information and communication technology (ICT) plays an important role in managing social isolation and loneliness. Currently, there is a lack of research focusing on designing and developing ICT solutions that specifically address social isolation and loneliness among people living with PD. OBJECTIVE This study addresses this gap by investigating barriers and social needs in the context of social isolation, loneliness, and technology use among people living with PD. The insights gained can inform the development of effective ICT solutions, which can address social isolation and loneliness and improve the quality of life for people living with PD. METHODS A qualitative study with 2 phases of data collection were conducted. During the first phase, 9 health care professionals and 16 people living with PD were interviewed to understand how PD affects social life and technology use. During the second phase, 2 focus groups were conducted with 4 people living with PD in each group to gather insights into their needs and identify ways to manage social isolation and loneliness. Thematic analysis was used to analyze both data sets and identify key themes. RESULTS The results showed that the barriers experienced by people living with PD due to PD such as "fatigue," "psychological conditions," "social stigma," and "medication side effects" affect their social life. People living with PD also experience difficulties using a keyboard and mouse, remembering passwords, and navigating complex applications due to their PD-related physical and cognitive limitations. To manage their social isolation and loneliness, people living with PD suggested having a simple and easy-to-use solution, allowing them to participate in a digital community based on their interests, communicate with others, and receive recommendations for social events. CONCLUSIONS The new ICT solutions focusing on social isolation and loneliness among people living with PD should consider the barriers restricting user's social activities and technology use. Given the wide range of needs and barriers experienced by people living with PD, it is more suitable to adopt user-centered design approaches that emphasize the active participation of end users in the design process. Importantly, any ICT solution designed for people living with PD should not encourage internet addiction, which will further contribute to the person's withdrawal from society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gomathi Thangavel
- Centre for Empirical Research on Information Systems, Örebro University School of Business, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Mevludin Memedi
- Centre for Empirical Research on Information Systems, Örebro University School of Business, Örebro, Sweden
- College of Business, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Karin Hedström
- Centre for Empirical Research on Information Systems, Örebro University School of Business, Örebro, Sweden
- Department of Communication, Quality Management and Information Systems, Mid Sweden University, Sundsvall, Sweden
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Wu P, Feng R, Zhang J. The relationship between loneliness and problematic social media usage in Chinese university students: a longitudinal study. BMC Psychol 2024; 12:13. [PMID: 38178215 PMCID: PMC10765645 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-023-01498-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A significant number of cross-sectional studies have explored the correlation between loneliness and problematic social media use. However, the causal relationship between these two key variables remains controversial, and the developmental relationship over time is unclear. METHODS We conducted a one-year longitudinal study with 538 Chinese college students using questionnaires and employing cross-lagged and latent growth models to investigate the causal relationship and developmental dynamics between loneliness and problematic social media use. RESULTS The results indicate that (a) loneliness and problematic social media use mutually and positively influence each other, establishing a bidirectional causal relationship; (b) Chinese college students experience a gradual increase in levels of loneliness and problematic social media use during their time in college; and (c) the intercept and slope of loneliness significantly and positively affect the intercept and slope of problematic social media use, and conversely, the intercept and slope of problematic social media use significantly and positively influence the intercept and slope of loneliness. CONCLUSION These findings reveal the longitudinal relationship between loneliness and problematic social media use among Chinese college students and offer insights for researchers and educators to intervene in college students' loneliness and problematic social media use from a developmental perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peibo Wu
- Institute of Education, Xiamen University, Xiamen, People's Republic of China
- Zhong Yuan Institute of Science and Technology, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Rong Feng
- Institute of Education, Xiamen University, Xiamen, People's Republic of China.
- Propaganda Department, Taizhou University, Taizhou, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jindan Zhang
- Institute of Education, Xiamen University, Xiamen, People's Republic of China
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Elkefi S. Exploring Predictors of Social Media Use for Health and Wellness during COVID-19 among Adults in the US: A Social Cognitive Theory Application. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 12:39. [PMID: 38200945 PMCID: PMC10779354 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12010039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
During COVID-19, SM media was relied upon for health-related information-seeking and activity support. This study uses the social cognitive theory (SCT) and a representative dataset of the population in the US to explore the factors influencing patients' perceptions of SM for health-related activities. As per SCT, consolidated factors comprised personal factors (sociodemographic, health perception, self-efficacy) and environmental factors (social isolation, purpose in life). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted. Among the 6252 respondents, 95.15% rarely use SM to share personal health-related information, and 90.44% rarely use it to share general health-related information. Older individuals and Whites are less likely to consider SM for healthcare decisions. Education levels influence SM's perceived reliability. Those with positive health perceptions find SM more suitable for healthcare discussions. Socially-isolated individuals are less likely to use SM for healthcare. Those with a strong sense of purpose are less inclined to trust it for health decisions and may question its accuracy. SM-based interventions should address sociodemographic differences. Our findings contribute to the literature by SCT relevance validation in identifying the antecedents of SM use in healthcare. Our results also help to understand the challenges to its adoption. This can help enhance SM-based communication strategies and interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Safa Elkefi
- School of Nursing, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; ; Tel.: +1-(201)-744-1208
- Hphactors Lab, New York, NY 10022, USA
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11
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Meckovsky F, Furstova J, Kosarkova A, Meier Z, Tavel P, Malinakova K. Loneliness Is Associated With Problematic Internet Use but Not With the Frequency of Substance Use: A Czech Cross-Sectional Study. Int J Public Health 2023; 68:1606537. [PMID: 38024207 PMCID: PMC10651728 DOI: 10.3389/ijph.2023.1606537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives: This study aimed to assess the associations between loneliness and the frequency of substance use and problematic Internet use (PIU) in different age groups. Methods: Data were collected in April 2021 from a sample of 1,293 participants with main characteristics close to a nationally representative sample (mean age = 50.1 ± 15.4 years; 56% male). We measured loneliness with the Three-Item Loneliness Scale (TILS), PIU with the General Problematic Internet Use Scale-2 (GPIUS-2) and the frequency of drugs, alcohol, smoking or caffeine consumption. Spearman's correlation, the t-test, and one-way and multivariate linear regression models were used to analyze the data. Results: In our study, 43.8% of respondents reported moderate to severe levels of loneliness. Loneliness was associated with the severity of PIU [F (3, 1,277) = 15.25, p < 0.001], with higher loneliness corresponding to higher PIU. No significant relationship was found between loneliness and drugs, alcohol, smoking or caffeine consumption. Conclusion: Regardless of age, loneliness is associated with PIU but not with the frequency of substance use. Professional help for lonely people should focus on problematic Internet use in all age groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filip Meckovsky
- Olomouc University Social Health Institute, Palacky University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czechia
| | - Jana Furstova
- Olomouc University Social Health Institute, Palacky University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czechia
| | - Alice Kosarkova
- Department of Christian Education, Sts Cyril and Methodius Faculty of Theology, Palacky University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czechia
| | - Zdenek Meier
- Olomouc University Social Health Institute, Palacky University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czechia
| | - Peter Tavel
- Olomouc University Social Health Institute, Palacky University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czechia
| | - Klara Malinakova
- Olomouc University Social Health Institute, Palacky University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czechia
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Zhang H, Zhang H, Shan L, Xia Y, Zhao Y. Internet accessibility and incident depressive symptoms in middle aged and older adults in China: A national longitudinal cohort study. J Affect Disord 2023; 340:355-361. [PMID: 37572699 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.08.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND With the rapid development of the Internet over the past ten years, its widespread applications and accessibility may cause dynamic changes in the association between internet use and depressive symptoms. OBJECTIVE We aim to explore the association between internet accessibility (including broadband connection, internet use, frequency, and devices for internet use), as well as its changes, and the risk of incident depressive symptoms for middle aged and older adults based on a cohort study. METHODS 8772 participants with three repeat waves of follow-up (average 6.04 years) were included. Cox proportional hazards regressions were used to explore risk effects. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95 % Confidence Intervals [CI] were presented. RESULTS Incidence density for depressive symptoms was 53.89 for every 1000 person-years. The rate of internet usage by middle aged and older adults in China increased evidently from 2012 to 2018 (16.39 % vs 77.41 %). Broadband internet connection (BIC) (HR = 0.80, 95%CI: 0.71, 0.90) and moderate frequency of internet use (IU) (HR = 0.30, 95%CI: 0.10, 0.92) were associated with decreased risk of depressive symptoms. Participants who changed from no internet accessibility to internet accessibility were associated with a lower risk of depressive symptoms (BIC: HR = 0.46, 95%CI: 0.41, 0.51; IU: HR = 0.42, 95%CI: 0.34, 0.51). Using large screen devices (HR = 0.64, 95%CI: 0.45, 0.91) for internet access, instead of phones, was associated with lower risk of depressive symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Older adults should be encouraged to use the Internet; online time, frequency, and devices for internet use should be considered simultaneously.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hehua Zhang
- Clinical Research Center, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Sanhao Street, No. 36, Heping District, Shenyang 110002, China
| | - Han Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Sanhao Street, No. 36, Heping District, Shenyang 110002, China
| | - Lishen Shan
- Department of Pediatrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Sanhao Street, No. 36, Heping District, Shenyang 110002, China
| | - Yang Xia
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Sanhao Street, No. 36, Heping District, Shenyang 110002, China
| | - Yuhong Zhao
- Clinical Research Center, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Sanhao Street, No. 36, Heping District, Shenyang 110002, China; Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Sanhao Street, No. 36, Heping District, Shenyang 110002, China.
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13
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Ho MH, Lee JJ, Yen HY. Associations between older adults' social media use behaviors and psychosocial well-being. Aging Clin Exp Res 2023; 35:2247-2255. [PMID: 37410359 DOI: 10.1007/s40520-023-02486-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research examining associations between social media use behaviors and psychosocial well-being among older adults are limited. AIMS To explore associations between older adults' social media (social networking services and instant messaging applications) use behaviors and psychosocial well-being. METHODS This was a secondary data analysis. All data were retrieved from the Taiwan Communication Survey database, an annual survey that examines trends in Taiwanese residents' communication behaviors and social media use. The original investigation was conducted in Taiwan from September to December 2019. Data from 647 older adults aged over 60 years were extracted for the analyses. Social media use behaviors (users/non-users and time spent using), positive psychosocial outcomes (life satisfaction, self-determination, subjective well-being, and happiness), negative psychosocial outcomes (loneliness, depression, and anxiety), and demographic variables were included. RESULTS Social media users had significantly higher levels of subjective well-being and lower levels of depression, anxiety, and loneliness compared with non-users. Time spent on social networking services was significantly and positively correlated with negative psychosocial outcomes (β = 0.103, p = 0.044, f2 = 0.011), and it was significantly and inversely correlated with positive psychosocial outcomes (β = - 0.063, p = 0.049, f2 = 0.004). Time spent using an instant messaging application was significantly positively associated with positive psychosocial outcomes (β = 0.068, p = 0.031, f2 = 0.005). The proposed path model had an acceptable model fit. DISCUSSION Study results indicated that older adults' social media use behaviors were associated with their psychosocial well-being. CONCLUSIONS Older adults are recommended to use social media for appropriate time periods as an important way to promote social engagement for their psychosocial well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mu-Hsing Ho
- School of Nursing, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 5/F, Academic Building, 3 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Jung Jae Lee
- School of Nursing, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 5/F, Academic Building, 3 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Hsin-Yen Yen
- School of Gerontology and Long-Term Care, College of Nursing, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wu-Hsing Street, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan.
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14
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Wu M, Li C, Zhao X, Hu T, Zeng L, Yu Y, Yang F, Han Y. The effect of internet use on depressive symptoms in middle-aged and older adults with functional disability: the mediating role of social isolation. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1202541. [PMID: 37492141 PMCID: PMC10363719 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1202541] [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: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective The popularization of the internet provides the possibility to improve the depressive symptoms (DS) and social isolation of middle-aged and older adults with functional disability. There was a significant correlation between internet use and DS in middle-aged and older adults with functional disability, but the relationship between internet use, social isolation, and DS remains to be confirmed. Methods Data were obtained from 7,955 middle-aged and older adults aged 45 years and older from the 2018 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). Multiple linear regression models were used to analyze the association between internet use and DS, and the Sobel test was used to explore mediating models. Results Results showed that internet use was negatively associated with DS among Chinese middle-aged and older adults. Among them, social needs (B = -0.770, p = 0.041), and information reception (B = -1.067, p = 0.007) were significantly related to DS in middle-aged and older adults. Only information reception (B = -3.161, p = 0.031) was significantly related to DS among middle-aged and older adults with functional disability. Social isolation partially mediated the association between internet use and DS in middle-aged and older adults without functional disability, whereas it was fully mediated in middle-aged and older adults with functional disability. Conclusion This study indicates that when formulating health policies to promote the mental health of Chinese middle-aged and older adults, the use of the internet should not be overlooked.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man Wu
- School of Nursing, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Chaoyang Li
- School of Nursing, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Xueyang Zhao
- School of Nursing, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Ting Hu
- School of Nursing, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Lijuan Zeng
- School of Nursing, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Yiqing Yu
- School of Nursing, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Fen Yang
- School of Nursing, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Yangyang Han
- School of Nursing, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian, China
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15
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Cotten SR, Ghaiumy Anaraky R, Schuster AM. Social Media Use May Not Be As Bad As Some Suggest: Implication for Older Adults. Innov Aging 2023; 7:igad022. [PMID: 37179658 PMCID: PMC10168587 DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igad022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives Social media use (SMU) has increased over the past decade among older adults. Cross-sectional studies report SMU is related to negative mental health outcomes (i.e., depression). Given depression is the most common mental health issue for older adults and increases the risk of morbidity and mortality, determining longitudinally whether SMU is related to increased depression is critical. This study examined the longitudinal relationship between SMU and depression. Research Design and Methods Data from 6 waves (2015-20) of the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS) were analyzed. Participants included a nationally representative sample of U.S. older adults, aged 65 years and older (N = 7,057). We used a Random Intercept Cross-Lagged Panel Modeling (RI-CLPM) framework to examine the relationship between primary outcomes of SMU and depression symptoms. Results No pattern was found of SMU predicting depression symptoms, or depression symptoms predicting SMU. The major driver of SMU in each wave was SMU in the previous wave. On average, our model accounted for 3.03% of the variance in SMU. The major predictor of depression in each wave was the pre-existing depression. Our model accounted for an average of 22.81% of the variance in depressive symptoms. Discussion and Implications The results suggest that SMU and depressive symptoms are driven by the previous patterns of SMU and depression, respectively. We did not find any patterns of SMU and depression influencing each other. NHATS measures SMU with a binary instrument. Future longitudinal research should employ measures that account for SMU duration, type, and purpose. These findings suggest that SMU may not be related to negative health outcomes, in this case, depression, for older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelia R Cotten
- Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminal Justice, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, USA
- Department of Communication, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, USA
| | - Reza Ghaiumy Anaraky
- Department of Technology Management and Innovation, Tandon School of Engineering, New York University, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Amy M Schuster
- Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminal Justice, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, USA
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16
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Factors Associated With Social Isolation in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2023; 24:322-330.e6. [PMID: 36549651 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2022.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Social isolation is a global health issue that affects older adults throughout their lives. This study aimed to identify the factors associated with social isolation in older adults. DESIGN Systematic review and meta-analysis. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Adults aged 60 years and older. METHODS We searched for observational studies without language restrictions in 11 databases from inception to August 2022. Pooled odds ratio (OR) and 95% CI were calculated using the R software (version 4.2.1). The modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to evaluate the risk of bias. RESULTS Eighteen factors were grouped into 5 themes. The following 13 factors were statistically significant: (1) demographics theme: aged 80 years and older (OR: 2.41; 95% CI: 1.20-4.85), less than or equal to a high school degree (OR: 1.68; 95% CI: 1.44-1.97), smoking (OR: 1.43; 95% CI: 1.18-1.73), and male (OR: 1.38; 95% CI: 1.01-1.89); (2) environment theme: low social support (OR: 7.77; 95% CI: 3.45-17.50) and no homeownership (OR: 1.38; 95% CI: 1.25-1.51); (3) role theme: no social participation (OR: 3.18; 95% CI: 1.30-7.80) and no spouse (OR: 2.61; 95% CI: 1.37-4.99); (4) physical health: hearing loss (OR: 2.78; 95% CI: 1.54-5.01), activities of daily living impairment (OR: 2.38; 95% CI: 1.57-3.61), and poor health status (OR: 1.52; 95% CI: 1.32-1.74); and (5) mental health: cognitive decline (OR: 1.85; 95% CI: 1.40-2.45) and depression (OR: 1.72; 95% CI: 1.21-2.44). CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Social isolation in older adults is associated with various factors. Hence, focused intervention should be adopted for older adults. In addition, further longitudinal studies are required to confirm a direct link between multiple factors and social isolation.
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17
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Drazich BF, Lee JW, Bowles KH, Taylor JL, Shah S, Resnick B, Kim N, Szanton SL. Pandemic Related Changes in Technology Use Among a Sample of Previously Hospitalized Older Adult New Yorkers: An Observational Study. JMIR Aging 2023; 6:e41692. [PMID: 36881528 PMCID: PMC10131656 DOI: 10.2196/41692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic increased the importance of technology for all Americans, including older adults. Although a few studies have indicated that older adults might have increased their technology use during the COVID-19 pandemic, further research is needed to confirm these findings, especially among different populations, and using validated surveys. In particular, research on changes in technology use among previously hospitalized community-dwelling older adults, especially those with physical disability, is needed because older adults with multimorbidity and hospital associated deconditioning were a population greatly impacted by COVID-19 and related distancing measures. Obtaining knowledge regarding previously hospitalized older adults' technology use, before and during the pandemic, could inform the appropriateness of technology-based interventions for vulnerable older adults. OBJECTIVE In this paper, we 1) described changes in older adult technology-based communication, technology-based phone use, and technology-based gaming during the COVID-19 pandemic, compared to before the COVID-19 pandemic and 2) tested whether technology use moderated the association between changes in in-person visits and well-being, controlling for covariates. METHODS Between December 2020 and January 2021 we conducted a telephone-based objective survey with 60 previously hospitalized older New Yorkers with physical disability. We measured technology-based communication through three questions pulled from the National Health and Aging Trends Study COVID-19 Questionnaire. We measured technology-based smart phone use and technology-based video gaming through the Media Technology Usage and Attitudes Scale. We used paired t tests and interaction models to analyze survey data. RESULTS This sample of previously hospitalized older adults with physical disability consisted of 60 participants, 63.3% of whom identified as female, 50.0% of whom identified as White, and 63.8% of whom reported an annual income of $25,000 or less. This sample had not had physical contact (such as friendly hug or kiss) for a median of 60 days and had not left their home for a median of 2 days. The majority of older adults from this study reported using the internet, owning smart phones, and nearly half learned a new technology during the pandemic. During the pandemic, this sample of older adults significantly increased their technology-based communication (mean difference=.74, P=.003), smart phone use (mean difference=2.9, P=.016), and technology-based gaming (mean difference=.52, P=.030). However, this technology use during the pandemic did not moderate the association between changes in in-person visits and well-being, controlling for covariates. CONCLUSIONS These study findings suggest that previously hospitalized older adults with physical disability are open to using or learning technology, but that technology use might not be able to replace in-person social interactions. Future research might explore the specific components of in-person visits that are missing in virtual interactions, and if they could be replicated in the virtual environment, or through other means.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany F Drazich
- School of Nursing, University of Maryland, 655 W Lombard St, Baltimore, US
| | - Ji Won Lee
- School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, US
| | - Kathryn H Bowles
- School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, US.,Center for Home Care Policy & Research, VHS Heath, New York City, US
| | | | - Shivani Shah
- Center for Home Care Policy & Research, VHS Heath, New York City, US
| | - Barbara Resnick
- School of Nursing, University of Maryland, 655 W Lombard St, Baltimore, US
| | - Nayeon Kim
- School of Nursing, University of Maryland, 655 W Lombard St, Baltimore, US
| | - Sarah L Szanton
- School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, US.,School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, US
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18
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Sanchez T, Mavragani A, Dougan MM, Golden B, Ta K, Nam B, Tsoh JY, Tzuang M, Park VMT. Social Support and Technology Use and Their Association With Mental and Physical Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic Among Asian Americans: The COMPASS Cross-sectional Study. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2023; 9:e35748. [PMID: 36395324 PMCID: PMC9872978 DOI: 10.2196/35748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The global COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately affected Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) and revealed significant health disparities with reports of increased discrimination and xenophobia. Among AAPIs, the pandemic exacerbated their social, linguistic, and geographic isolation. Social support may be especially important for AAPIs given the salience of collectivism as a cultural value. Another mechanism for support among AAPIs was technology use, as it is generally widespread among this population. However, older adults may not perceive the same benefits. OBJECTIVE We examined social support and technology use and their relationships with mental and physical health outcomes through the COVID-19 pandemic among AAPIs. METHODS Data were drawn from the COVID-19 Effects on the Mental and Physical Health of AAPI Survey Study (COMPASS) for the time period of October 2020 to February 2021. COMPASS was a cross-sectional, multilingual, national survey conducted online, by phone, and in person with AAPI adults who were ≥18 years of age, in collaboration with academic and community partners in the United States. Data were analyzed using multivariable linear regression using the outcome variables of mental and physical health with various predictors such as social support and technology use. We tested for interactions specific to age and ethnicity. RESULTS Among 4631 AAPIs (mean age 45.9, SD 16.3 years; 2992/4631, 63.1% female), we found that (1) increased social support was associated with better physical health, (2) total social support was positively associated with better mental health, (3) higher technology use was associated with poorer mental health and inversely associated with poorer physical health, (4) the association of technology use with mental health was weaker among those with low social support (vs those with high social support), (5) adults younger than 60 years old (vs ≥60 years old) were more negatively affected with social support and mental health, and (6) Korean Americans appeared to be a high-risk group for poor physical health with increased technology use. CONCLUSIONS Our paper identified mental and physical health needs along with supportive therapies observed among AAPIs during the pandemic. Future research on how social support can be leveraged, especially among AAPIs younger than 60 years old, and how various types of technology are being utilized are important to guide the recovery efforts to address both mental and physical disparities across communities as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Marcelle M Dougan
- Department of Public Health and Recreation, San José State University, San Jose, CA, United States
| | - Bethany Golden
- Department of Family Health Care Nursing, School of Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Kevin Ta
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - Bora Nam
- Department of Community Health Systems, School of Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Janice Y Tsoh
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States.,Asian American Research Center on Health, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States.,Multiethnic Health Equity Research Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Marian Tzuang
- Department of Community Health Systems, School of Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Van M Ta Park
- Department of Community Health Systems, School of Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States.,Asian American Research Center on Health, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States.,Multiethnic Health Equity Research Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
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19
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Drazich BF, Li Q, Perrin NA, Szanton SL, Lee JW, Huang CM, Carlson MC, Samuel LJ, Regier NG, Rebok GW, Taylor JL. The relationship between older adults' technology use, in-person engagement, and pandemic-related mental health. Aging Ment Health 2023; 27:156-165. [PMID: 35243945 PMCID: PMC9440957 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2022.2046695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objectives of this study are to 1) describe changes in in-person communication/activity and changes in older adult technology use during the COVID-19 pandemic and 2) examine whether less in-person communication/activity mediates the relationship between pandemic-related mental health and technology use. METHOD Linear regressions (stratified by age and financial strain) and structural equation modeling were employed using a nationally representative, cross-sectional survey of 3,188 older adults from the 2020 National Health and Aging Trends Study's COVID-19 Questionairre. RESULTS Older adults engaged in more technology-based activity (b = 0.24; p<.001), more technology-based health care communication (b = 0.22; p<.001), and more technology-based food acquisition (b = 0.21; p<.001) during the COVID-19 pandemic, as compared to before the pandemic. Results indicate that adults <80 years old demonstrated greater increases in technology-based activity, technology-based health communication, and technology-based food acquisition, compared to adults ≥80 years old. Change in in-person communication significantly mediated the relationship between pandemic-related mental health and technology-based communication (standardized coefficient= -0.012; p=.005), and change in in-person activity significantly mediated the relationship between pandemic-related mental health and technology-based activity (standardized coefficient= -0.017; p=.020). CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that older adults are utilizing technology more, and therefore should be considered in technology design and dissemination. Technology use could be an important positive response to help those with pandemic related worries stay safely engaged with friends and family. Technologies should be produced that are modifiable for older adults with disabilities and affordable for older adults with fixed incomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Qiwei Li
- School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Nancy A Perrin
- School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Sarah L Szanton
- School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Health Policy, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Johns Hopkins Center for Innovative Care in Aging, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ji Won Lee
- School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Chien-Ming Huang
- School of Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Laura J Samuel
- School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Johns Hopkins Center for Innovative Care in Aging, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Natalie G Regier
- School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Johns Hopkins Center for Innovative Care in Aging, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - George W Rebok
- School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Janiece L Taylor
- School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Johns Hopkins Center for Innovative Care in Aging, Baltimore, MD, USA
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20
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Chentsova VO, Bravo AJ, Mezquita L, Pilatti A, Hogarth L. Internalizing symptoms, rumination, and problematic social networking site use: A cross national examination among young adults in seven countries. Addict Behav 2023; 136:107464. [PMID: 36067636 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2022.107464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND As daily engagement with social networking sites (SNS) increases globally, identifying and understanding the risk factors associated with problematic SNS use is of utmost importance. Researchers are interested in understanding internalizing symptoms as both a risk factor and a negative consequence of problematic SNS use. Prior research has proposed rumination alongside internalizing symptoms as a risk factor, though limited research has examined these associations across different cultures. OBJECTIVE The present study examined the indirect associations between internalizing symptoms (specifically depressive and social anxiety symptoms) and problematic SNS use via rumination among a cross-cultural sample. METHOD Participants were 8,912 (70.8 % female; Mean age = 20.25, SD = 3.95) college students recruited across seven countries (U.S., Canada, Spain, England, Argentina, Uruguay, and South Africa) who completed measures of internalizing symptoms, rumination, weekly SNS use, and problematic SNS use. RESULTS We found that higher internalizing symptoms were associated with more problematic SNS use via higher ruminative thinking. Specifically, problem-focused thoughts (a rumination subtype) uniquely accounted for 22.89% and 28.15% of the total effect of depressive and social anxiety symptoms on problematic SNS use, respectively. Other rumination subtypes (i.e., anticipatory thoughts and repetitive thinking) also demonstrated significant indirect effects, though weaker effects than for problem-focused thoughts. Findings were invariant across countries. CONCLUSIONS These findings provide support for further exploring the role rumination plays in determining and comparing problematic SNS use cross-culturally in longitudinal and experimental work.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Adrian J Bravo
- Department of Psychological Sciences, William & Mary, USA.
| | - Laura Mezquita
- Department of Basic and Clinical Psychology and Psychobiology, Universitat Jaume I, Castelló de la Plana, Castellón, Spain; Centre for Biomedical Research Network on Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Castelló de la Plana, Castellón, Spain
| | - Angelina Pilatti
- Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Facultad de Psicología, Córdoba, Argentina; Instituto de Investigaciones Psicológicas, IIPsi, CONICET, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Lee Hogarth
- School of Psychology, University of Exeter, United Kingdom
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21
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Liu T, Jia Y, Yang Y, Chen Q. Conflict with children, psychological depression, and problematic internet use among Chinese older adults: The moderating effect of sociability and living situation. Digit Health 2023; 9:20552076231216417. [PMID: 38033520 PMCID: PMC10687979 DOI: 10.1177/20552076231216417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Problematic internet use among the elderly is an emerging area as previous studies focused more among the young people. Only a few studies focused on problematic internet use at the level of individual characteristics of older adults or on mitigating factors at the level of the older adult's family, ignoring family-level disruptive factors. Objective The purpose of study is to investigate the relationship between conflict with children and problematic internet use among the elderly, as well as the mediating mechanisms and boundary conditions of the relationship. Methods The valid sample of study composed of 428 older adults from 39 different villages and communities in central China. Data analyses were conducted by SPSS, MPLUS, and SmartPLS software. To test our hypotheses, we implement several quantitative methods, including confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), correlations analysis, and ordinary least squares (OLS) regression. Also, we employed partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) for robustness testing. Results The results indicated that conflict with children was positively associated with problematic internet use of old people; psychological depression mediated the relationship between conflict with children and old adults' problematic internet use; sociability moderated the effect of conflict with children on psychological depression; and living situation moderated the effect of psychological depression on problematic internet use among the elderly. Conclusion The current research improved the understanding of the mechanisms that produce problematic internet use among the elderly and helped prevent or reduce problematic internet use in older adults in terms of family support systems and individual ability characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyuan Liu
- School of Sociology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yu Jia
- Center for Studies of Media Development, School of Journalism and Communication, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yang Yang
- School of Marxism, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Qinyu Chen
- School of Journalism and Communication, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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22
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Finnegan DJ, Campbell S. Tackling Loneliness and Isolation in Older Adults With Virtual Reality: How do We Move Forward? Gerontol Geriatr Med 2023; 9:23337214231186204. [PMID: 37465186 PMCID: PMC10350751 DOI: 10.1177/23337214231186204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Current trends in gerontology conceptualize Virtual Reality (VR) as a tool for rehabilitation, lauding its potential for cognitive rehabilitation or as an intervention to reduce cognitive function decline. However, we must take a critical stance and identify not just the potential positive impact, but also how things may go wrong without appropriate guidelines, and the need for careful design around the interaction affordances of the technology. We conducted co-discovery and co-design workshops involving expert stakeholders and older adults (N = 25) over a period of 6 months, involving practical activities including user personas and focus groups to understand the complexities of loneliness and identify possible solutions with VR. Based on our findings we focus our argument on two key factors in the conceptualization of loneliness: spaces, and activities which may take place within said spaces. We present our reconceptualization of VR as a tool for group activities instead of passive consumption of content and make suggestions to the community for reducing feelings of loneliness with VR.
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Rosell J, Leeson GW, Vergés A. Internet Addiction of Older Women and Its Relationship With Social Influence and Social Networks Use as a Mediator. J Appl Gerontol 2023; 42:121-130. [PMID: 36069751 DOI: 10.1177/07334648221125199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim is to analyse the relationship between social influence for Internet use and Internet addiction (IA) in older women, considering the use of Internet-based social networks as a mediator. The participants were 480 older women Internet users. Social influence, frequency of use of social networks and IA (including loss of control and emotional dysregulation) were evaluated. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was conducted to analyse the proposed model. The use of social networks was a significant mediator in the relationship between social influence for Internet use and the dimension of loss of control of IA. On the contrary, social network use was not a significant mediator. Older women with more social influence reported more frequency of social networking and, in turn, more loss of control in Internet use. Public policy and clinicians should address addictive behaviours about Internet use in older women, preventing the negative consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javiera Rosell
- Escuela de Psicología, 28033Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Macul, Chile.,Oxford Institute of Population Ageing, 416185University of Oxford, Osford, UK.,Millennium Institute for Care Research (MICARE), Santiago, Chile
| | - George W Leeson
- Oxford Institute of Population Ageing, 416185University of Oxford, Osford, UK
| | - Alvaro Vergés
- Escuela de Psicología, 28033Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Macul, Chile.,Escuela de Psicología, Universidad de los Andes, Chile
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24
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Hamilton BM, Orak U, Wallace JB. Internet Use as a Moderator of the Relationship between Age and Depression: Implications for Older Adults. J Appl Gerontol 2022; 42:942-950. [PMID: 36448423 DOI: 10.1177/07334648221142930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Technology-based interventions have been suggested to prevent depression and loneliness. However, it is not yet well-established if internet use is a protective factor for older adults, allowing them to combat depression and loneliness. Addressing this neglected area of research, this paper examines whether frequent internet use moderated the relationship between depression and age. Using 2016 General Social Survey ( n = 869), a series of ordinary least squares regression models were employed. The findings revealed that older adults who frequently used the internet were more depressed than those who did not. This may imply that internet use by older individuals may not be an adequate source of social engagement and may even heighten existing levels of depression. Other interventions may need to be developed to compensate for the loss of physical contact and reduce the level of depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boman M. Hamilton
- Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, TN, USA
| | - Ugur Orak
- Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, TN, USA
| | - J. Brandon Wallace
- Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, TN, USA
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Zeng Y, Zhang J, Wei J, Li S. The Impact of Undergraduates' Social Isolation on Smartphone Addiction: The Roles of Academic Anxiety and Social Media Use. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:15903. [PMID: 36497974 PMCID: PMC9738847 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192315903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has an adverse effect on the physical health of societies and individuals. One important concern is the effect of social isolation on the mental health of undergraduates, such as academic anxiety, smartphone addiction and other social psychological problems. The purpose of this study was to investigate associations among undergraduates' social isolation in this special context, social media use for obtaining information about the COVID-19 pandemic (i.e., communicative and non-communicative), academic anxiety, and smartphone addiction. A cross-sectional survey was conducted from May to June in 2022 and a total of 388 undergraduates were included. The results showed significant positive associations between social isolation and smartphone addiction and academic anxiety. Furthermore, academic anxiety played a mediating role in the effect of social isolation on smartphone addiction, which was moderated by non-communicative social media use. Some theoretical and practical implications as well as research limitations are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youlai Zeng
- School of Education, Liaoning Normal University, 850 Huanghe Road, Dalian 116029, China
| | - Jiahui Zhang
- School of Education, Liaoning Normal University, 850 Huanghe Road, Dalian 116029, China
| | - Jiaxin Wei
- School of Education, Liaoning Normal University, 850 Huanghe Road, Dalian 116029, China
| | - Shunyu Li
- Center for Teacher Education Research in Xinjiang, Xinjiang Normal University, 100 Guanjing Road, Urumqi 830017, China
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26
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Dong X, Meng S, Chen D. How does the Internet enhance the subjective well-being of elderly individuals in China? Front Psychol 2022; 13:1036169. [PMID: 36329732 PMCID: PMC9622754 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1036169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Although several studies have explored the relationship between the Internet and elderly individuals, little is known about whether and how the Internet affects elderly individuals’ subjective well-being (SWB) from multiple perspectives. This study examines the effects of the Internet on physical satisfaction and life satisfaction and explores the potential mechanisms by which the Internet produces its effects on elderly individuals. Using nationally representative data from the China General Social Survey (CGSS), this study finds that the Internet has a significant positive impact on physical satisfaction and life satisfaction of the elderly in China. The mechanism analysis shows that the Internet can improve the level of health insurance participation, which we interpret as potential mechanisms through which the Internet positively affects physical satisfaction among elderly individuals. Correspondingly, the Internet affects life satisfaction of elderly individuals by influencing social networks. Further heterogeneity tests find that the effect is stronger for urban areas, male and high human capital samples. This study highlights the important micro effects of the Internet and provides a reference for exploring the mechanism of the Internet affecting SWB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuebing Dong
- China Academy of West Region Development, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shunjie Meng
- School of Economics, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Shunjie Meng,
| | - Danbo Chen
- School of Urban and Regional Science, Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, Shanghai, China
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27
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Yang S, Zhang M. Research on the Influence Mechanisms of the Affective and Cognitive Self-Esteem. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:13232. [PMID: 36293813 PMCID: PMC9603809 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192013232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Most prior studies examined the direct relation between social media usage and loneliness. This study tries to reveal the covert mechanisms involved in how different types of SMU affect older adults' loneliness, which has rarely been an object of attention in the prior literature. A partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) method was used to analyze the data collected from 466 older adults in a field study. This research divided self-esteem into two dimensions: affective self-esteem (AE) and cognitive self-esteem (CE). The study found that changes in CE only stemmed from functional SMU (FSMU), rather than active SMU (ASMU) and passive SMU (PSMU). ASMU and PSMU had a significant effect on FSMU. CE had a significant effect on loneliness. Objective social isolation (OSI) had a positive relationship with loneliness. Moreover, PSMU, FSMU, and CE had a significant effect on ASMU, CE, and AE, respectively. For older adults, the feeling of connecting with others was more valuable than acquiring specific outcomes. The mediation test results showed that FSMU could play a completely mediating role in the relationship between ASMU and PSMU, as well as that between ASMU and CE. CE significantly mediated the relationship between FSMU and loneliness. Finally, the total effect sizes of ASMU and PSMU on FSMU were significant, and those of CE on older adults' loneliness and AE were significant, while the total effect of AE on older adults' loneliness was non-significant. AE moderated the relationship between PSMU and OSI, so PSMU was related to higher OSI only for users experiencing high AE. These findings offer a guide for the use of social media to conduct future loneliness interventions for older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shufang Yang
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- Antai College of Economics and Management, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Mingyao Zhang
- School of Physical Education and Sports Science, Lingnan Normal University, Zhanjiang 524048, China
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Jia Y, Liu T, Yang Y. The relationship between real-life social support and Internet addiction among the elderly in China. Front Public Health 2022; 10:981307. [PMID: 36091503 PMCID: PMC9459314 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.981307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Internet addiction among the elderly is a novel issue in many countries. However, extant research about excessive use of the Internet is focusing on adolescents and younger adults. There are few studies to explore the topic of the elderly's Internet addiction. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between real-life social support and Internet addiction among older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. This article adopted a self-reported questionnaire via internet links to collect data. A total of 303 valid samples about Internet addiction for the elderly were obtained in China. The results suggested that real-life social support is significantly and negatively related to Internet addiction among the aged. Moreover, the findings revealed that real-life social support could mitigate Internet addiction by increasing the levels of hopefulness and decreasing the feeling of loneliness. We expect that this study can enrich the understanding of the problematic Internet usage within older populations. Finally, the contributions, practical significance, and limitations of this study were discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Jia
- School of Journalism and Communication, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Tianyuan Liu
- School of Sociology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yang Yang
- School of Sociology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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29
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Yang Y, Liu T, Jia Y. The impact of interaction with children on internet addiction in older adults: A moderated mediation model. Front Psychol 2022; 13:989942. [PMID: 36081734 PMCID: PMC9448416 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.989942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Internet addiction among older adults is a new problem in many countries. However, previous studies on excessive Internet use have focused more on young people, and only few studies have focused on Internet addiction in older adults. There is a need to continue to expand research on Internet addiction in older adults. This paper aimed to fill the gap in exiting literature. We adopted a self-reported questionnaire to assess the elderly’s interaction with children, loneliness, life satisfaction and Internet addiction among old adults. A total of 241 old people were obtained from data collection in China via online survey with the help of a professional research company. We used OLS regression analysis and bootstrap method to test the hypothesis. The results of the empirical analysis indicated that (1) interaction with children was significantly negatively associated with the Internet addiction of old people; (2) loneliness mediated the relationship between interaction with children and old adults’ Internet addiction; and (3) life satisfaction moderated the effect of interaction with children, and the indirect effect between interaction with children and old adults’ addiction via loneliness was stronger for those with low life satisfaction. Finally, we discussed the theoretical significance, practical implications, limitation of this research. Interventions to improve family function systems especially for older people with low life satisfaction can help prevent the development of Internet addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yang
- School of Sociology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Tianyuan Liu
- School of Sociology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yu Jia
- School of Journalism and Communication, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- *Correspondence: Yu Jia,
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30
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Kitiş Y, Dağci B, Köse N, Geniş Ç. The use of social media among high school students and its relationship with the perception of loneliness: A pilot study. JOURNAL OF CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHIATRIC NURSING 2022; 35:341-348. [PMID: 35932172 DOI: 10.1111/jcap.12388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Physical, psychological, and social impairments are becoming more common in the world due to internet use and excessive use. PURPOSE This study was conducted to determine the relationship between social media addiction (SMA) and the perception of loneliness in the high school period when peer influence is important. METHODOLOGY This cross-sectional study was conducted with a total of 988 students studying at four high schools in Ankara, the capital city of Turkey, in the fall semester of 2019-2020. The research data were collected using Introductory Information Form, Social Media Addiction Scale (SMAS), and UCLA Loneliness Scale. RESULTS According to the findings, 67.2% of the students had different degrees of SMA. It was found that 7.8% of the students had a high or very high degree of addiction. Loneliness levels of the students were found to be high (UCLA mean 62.78). A strong negative correlation (p < 0.01) was found between loneliness and all the subscales of the SMAS except the busyness subscale. CONCLUSIONS The findings demonstrate the social media addiction and the perception of loneliness in high school students are related at a level that cannot be ignored. Future research should evaluate social media addiction and loneliness together with other psychological markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeter Kitiş
- Department of Public Health Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Büşra Dağci
- Department of Public Health Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Bandırma Onyedi Eylul University, Bandırma/Balıkesir, Turkey
| | - Neslihan Köse
- Department of Public Health Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Çiğdem Geniş
- Kocaeli Provincial Health Directorate, Kocaeli, Turkey
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31
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Wiwatkunupakarn N, Pateekhum C, Aramrat C, Jirapornchaoren W, Pinyopornpanish K, Angkurawaranon C. Social networking site usage: A systematic review of its relationship with social isolation, loneliness, and depression among older adults. Aging Ment Health 2022; 26:1318-1326. [PMID: 34427132 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2021.1966745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Older adults, age ≥ 60 years, are at risk of depression, which is aggravated by loneliness and social isolation. The use of social networking sites (SNS) has been reported to be beneficial to help people stay in touch with their families and communities. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between SNS usage and social isolation, loneliness, and depression among older adults. METHODS The online electronic search for literature was conducted up to June 2020 using three databases and searching from reference lists to find potential studies. The inclusion criteria were based on three main study characteristics: (i) a study population of adults age ≥ 60 years, (ii) examine SNS usage, and (iii) report depression or loneliness or social isolation as outcomes. RESULTS Fifteen articles were included: ten observational and five experimental studies. Five studies focused on depression and five studies on loneliness/social isolation, while five studies reported on both outcomes. Among observational studies, there was some evidence that SNS usage was associated with lower levels of depression and loneliness scores, but a very limited number of experimental studies were able to obtain similar results. For social isolation, no study found significant associations between SNS usage and lower levels of social isolation. CONCLUSIONS This review found very limited evidence, especially from experimental studies, to support associations between SNS use with depression, loneliness, and social isolation among older adults. More studies are needed to enhance understanding to make valid conclusions. UNLABELLED The systematic review was registered in the PROSPERO database on 10 April 2019 and updated in July 2020 (CRD42019125267).
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Affiliation(s)
- Nutchar Wiwatkunupakarn
- Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai,Thailand
| | - Chanapat Pateekhum
- Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai,Thailand
| | - Chanchanok Aramrat
- Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai,Thailand
| | - Wichuda Jirapornchaoren
- Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai,Thailand
| | | | - Chaisiri Angkurawaranon
- Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai,Thailand
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32
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Problematic Social Media Use and Depressive Outcomes among College Students in China: Observational and Experimental Findings. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19094937. [PMID: 35564330 PMCID: PMC9099455 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19094937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Aims: Problematic social media use is increasing in China and could be a risk factor for depression. We investigated cross-sectional associations between problematic social media use and depressive outcomes among Chinese college students with potential mediation by perceived social support, social media violence, and loneliness. Thereafter, we evaluated the effectiveness of a one-month group counseling intervention in reducing depressive symptoms related to social media addiction. Methods: Depressive symptoms, social media addiction, perceived social support, social media violence, and loneliness were self-reported among 21,000 college students in Shaanxi province, China. A randomized controlled trial was designed based on the results of the observational study and Satir Transformational Systemic Therapy (STST) among 60 college students assigned to intervention (N = 30) or control/no treatment (N = 30). Self-administered surveys were completed at baseline (T1), at the end of the 1-month intervention (T2), and at 2-month follow-up post-intervention (T3). Results: After controlling for relevant covariates, more problematic social media use was associated with more depressive symptoms (β = 0.18, p < 0.001) and depression (OR = 1.08, 95% CI: 1.075, 1.092). Multiple mediation analyses found that perceived social support, social media violence, and loneliness significantly mediated associations between problematic social media use and depressive symptoms (model fit: RMSEA = 0.065, GFI = 0.984, CFI = 0.982). Bootstrapping revealed significant indirect effects of problematic social media use on depressive symptoms through the mediators named above (0.143, 95% CI: 0.133, 0.156). The subsequently informed intervention significantly reduced depressive symptoms at T2 (mean difference: −12.70, 95% CI: −16.64, −8.76, p < 0.001) and at T3 (mean difference: −8.70, 95% CI: −12.60, −4.80, p < 0.001), as well as levels of social media addiction, perceived social support, social media violence, and loneliness. Conclusions: Problematic social media use is a risk factor for depressive outcomes among Chinese college students, and perceived social support, social media violence, and loneliness mediate this association. STST-based group counseling may reduce depressive symptoms related to high social media usage in this population.
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Jutai JW, Tuazon JR. The role of assistive technology in addressing social isolation, loneliness and health inequities among older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol 2022; 17:248-259. [PMID: 34978947 DOI: 10.1080/17483107.2021.2021305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Assistive technology (AT) is an effective tool to promote social connectedness among older adults affected by the COVID-19 pandemic; however, its role in reducing loneliness and health inequities is not well understood. The goal of this scoping review was to construct a model for how technologies may be deployed to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on social isolation, loneliness and health inequities for older adults. METHODS PubMed, SCOPUS and PsychINFO were searched from 2010 to 2020 for the following keywords: "social isolation," "loneliness," "social support," "resilience," "technology," "pandemic" and "health inequit*." Articles selected for full analysis attempted to understand how technology alleviates social isolation and/or loneliness among older adults. RESULTS Eighteen articles met the criteria for selection and data extraction. Six were review-type studies, seven were observational, three were randomized control trials, one opinion piece and one case study. ATs have been shown to reduce loneliness and social isolation, strengthen social support, and promote resilience among older adults. AT reduces loneliness both directly and indirectly, by affecting social isolation. There is insufficient evidence to determine technology's relationship to health inequities experienced by older adults. CONCLUSIONS The model we have proposed should help advance research on the relationship between ATs and health inequities among older adults that may be aggravated by the COVID-19 pandemic. We hypothesize that AT interventions for social support and functional competence should be sequenced to reduce health disparities.Implications for rehabilitationThe social distancing and quarantine measures as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic can be linked to adverse health outcomes among older adult populations.Technology is an effective tool to promote social connectedness among older adults affected by the pandemic.Assistive technology (AT) interventions for social support and functional competence should be sequenced in order to have best effects on reducing health disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey W Jutai
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences and LIFE Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Joshua R Tuazon
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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Rosell J, Vergés A, Torres Irribarra D, Sepúlveda-Caro S, Flores K. Motives of Use and Internet Addiction: Development and Evidence of Validity of a Scale to Evaluate Motives of Internet Use. Int J Ment Health Addict 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s11469-022-00769-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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Stănculescu E. The Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale Validity in a Romanian Sample Using Item Response Theory and Network Analysis. Int J Ment Health Addict 2022; 21:1-18. [PMID: 35069045 PMCID: PMC8760124 DOI: 10.1007/s11469-021-00732-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The validation of the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS) in different cultural contexts is contributory in adding to the extant research body on psychometric qualities of the scale. The main purpose of this study was to examine the validity of the BSMAS, based on classical test theory and advanced psychometric testing, namely item response theory (IRT) and network analysis in a Romanian sample of 705 participants (39% males, aged 18-54 years, M = 30.24, SD ± 9.15). Composite reliability and McDonald's omega proved the very good internal consistency of the BSMAS-RO. The CFA highlighted the unifactorial model fitted well and measurement invariance across gender was revealed. Females obtained significantly higher scores on social media addiction (SMA) than males. As for concurrent validity, SMA correlated with social media intensity use, anxious attachment, social anxiety, need to belong, self-esteem, and happiness. IRT analysis proved adequate discrimination and difficulty parameters for all items. The highest discrimination was registered by salience criterion and the highest difficulty by conflict, withdrawal, and mood modification criteria. Relapse criterion had the lowest values of both parameters. Network analysis revealed that salience and withdrawal criteria had the highest indicators of centrality and relapse the lowest. Our findings revealed that the most relevant criteria to the diagnosis of SMA in Romanian people are salience, conflict, withdrawal, and mood modification. The robust psychometric properties of the BSMAS-RO provide health professionals a valid instrument for assessing SMA. Programs to prevent SMA must focus on dispositional traits as AATT, social anxiety, respectively unsatisfied need to belong, and promoting the ability to initiate and maintain rewarding social relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Stănculescu
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
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36
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The Association between Social Participation and Loneliness of the Chinese Older Adults over Time-The Mediating Effect of Social Support. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19020815. [PMID: 35055639 PMCID: PMC8775358 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19020815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Based on activity theory, this paper employed data from the 2013, 2015, and 2018 waves of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Survey, and adopted Hierarchical Linear Modeling and longitudinal mediation analysis to explore the temporal variation characteristics of loneliness and the influence of social participation on loneliness in Chinese Older Adults, as well as the mechanism of them. The study found that loneliness among older adults overall was at a moderate level from 2013 to 2018 and increased over time, which may be related to decreasing social participation from year to year. Decreased social participation was associated with increased loneliness over time (β = -0.060, p < 0.001) and lower social support (β = 0.109, p < 0.001), which was associated with more loneliness (β = -0.098, p < 0.001). In addition, social support played a significant mediating role in the realization of social participation in alleviating loneliness. Social participation can not only directly reduce loneliness, but also reduce loneliness by increasing social support.
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37
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Silva P, Delerue Matos A, Martinez-Pecino R. The Contribution of the Internet to Reducing Social Isolation in Individuals Aged 50 Years and Older: Quantitative Study of Data From the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe. J Med Internet Res 2022; 24:e20466. [PMID: 34982040 PMCID: PMC8764612 DOI: 10.2196/20466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Social isolation has a negative impact on the quality of life of older people; therefore, studies have focused on identifying its sociodemographic, economic, and health determinants. In view of the growing importance of the internet as a means of communication, it is essential to assess whether internet use interferes with social isolation. Objective This study specifically aims to clarify the relationship between internet use and social isolation of individuals aged ≥50 years, for which other surveys present contradictory results. Methods We performed logistic regression analysis with social isolation as the dependent variable, internet use as the interest variable, and several other sociodemographic, economic, and health characteristics of the individuals as control variables. The sample size was 67,173 individuals aged 50 years and older from 17 European countries (Portugal, Greece, Italy, Spain, Denmark, Sweden, Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Switzerland, Luxemburg, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovenia, Estonia, and Croatia) plus Israel, who were interviewed in the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), wave 6. Results The results show that countries differ in the level of social isolation and rate of internet use by individuals aged 50 years and older. They also evidence that in most of the countries analyzed, social isolation of internet users was lower compared to that of nonusers after controlling for a set of sociodemographic, economic, and health characteristics of the individuals that have been previously described in the literature as determinants of social isolation. Indeed, on average, although 31.4% of individuals in the nonuser group experienced high social isolation, only 12.9% of individuals who used the internet experienced this condition. Conclusions Internet users show lower social isolation. This result underlines the importance of promoting e-inclusion in Europe as a way to counter social isolation of individuals aged 50 years and older.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrícia Silva
- Communication and Society Research Centre, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - Alice Delerue Matos
- Department of Sociology, Institute of Social Sciences, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - Roberto Martinez-Pecino
- Departamento de Psicología Social, Facultad de Comunicación, Universidad Sevilla, Seville, Spain
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Jiang J, Song J. Health Consequences of Online Social Capital among Middle-Aged and Older Adults in China. APPLIED RESEARCH IN QUALITY OF LIFE 2022; 17:2277-2297. [PMID: 35035602 PMCID: PMC8741545 DOI: 10.1007/s11482-021-10033-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
With the rapid development of Internet techniques in China, more and more Chinese middle-aged and older adults have begun to use the Internet for their daily social interactions, and the resulting online social capital may affect their health. Using data from the Chinese General Social Survey of 2017 (n = 7733, aged 45-90 years old), this study investigated the influence of online social capital on the health of middle-aged and older adults in China, and the Heckman sample selection model was used to address potential sample selection bias in Internet use. The results show that number of online contacts significantly improved the physical health of middle-aged and older adults, while the level of depression was significantly reduced by online closeness of non-specific relationships, but more online interactions may slightly increase their depression. Furthermore, more online contacts were associated with elevated physical health among male, rural, less-educated and middle-aged adults, while more online closeness of non-specific relationships was associated with less depression in almost all subgroups. Online social capital can improve the health of middle-aged and older adults in China, so we should help increase older adults' access to the Internet and improve their Internet skills to give full play to the positive health effect of online social capital. However, it should be alert to the negative health consequences caused by excessive Internet use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junfeng Jiang
- School of Sociology, Central China Normal University, No.152 Luoyu Road, Wuhan, 430079 China
| | - Jiang Song
- Business School, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
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Weinstein AM. Problematic Social Networking Site use-effects on mental health and the brain. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:1106004. [PMID: 36741578 PMCID: PMC9893026 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.1106004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The association between excessive use of Social Networking Sites (SNS) and mental health is raising serious concern among health and education professionals. Problematic SNS use has been associated with an increased rate of depression, anxiety, stress, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and propensity to excessive alcohol use. It may also lead to vulnerability to aggression, cyberbullying and fear of missing out (FOMO). There is little evidence for cognitive impairments, but there is some preliminary event-related potentials (ERPs) evidence for inefficiency in allocating and monitoring resources and inhibitory control. Problematic SNS has been associated with the personality traits of conscientiousness agreeableness and neuroticism, and with narcissism. There is evidence for reduced sleep quality and quantity, longer sleeping latency and more sleep disturbance. The few brain imaging studies show some similarity between problematic SNS use and other addictions related to inhibitory-control mechanism, reduced gray matter volumes in the nucleus accumbens, amygdala, and the insula, suggesting rewarding effects of SNS use on the brain. Finally, there is preliminary evidence that treatment with Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) can assist in short-term abstinence intervention to treat problematic SNS use. We conclude that problematic SNS use may have deleterious effects on emotional and social relationships, and more research is required on its effects on cognitive and brain function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aviv M Weinstein
- Psychology and Behavioral Science, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
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40
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Sharifian N, Sol K, Zahodne LB, Antonucci TC. Social Relationships and Adaptation in Later Life. COMPREHENSIVE CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [PMCID: PMC7500884 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-818697-8.00016-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Social relations encompass a complex and dynamic set of characteristics that have been shown to distinctly affect health and quality of life across the lifespan and especially in older adulthood. In this chapter we begin with a brief review of several prominent theories of social relations. Next, we consider how social relations can be understood based on the resource they provide (e.g., contact frequency, social support), the relationship they stem from (e.g., friends, family), the strength of the tie (e.g., strong, weak) as well as the means of communication (e.g., offline, online). We briefly summarize how these characteristics have been shown to uniquely influence health and quality of life in older adulthood. Finally, we contemplate potential clinical applications, provide recommendations for the future and offer final concluding comments.
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Latikka R, Koivula A, Oksa R, Savela N, Oksanen A. Loneliness and psychological distress before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: Relationships with social media identity bubbles. Soc Sci Med 2021; 293:114674. [PMID: 34959045 PMCID: PMC8688936 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2021.114674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on well-being and mental health are a concern worldwide. This article is based on two longitudinal studies that investigated the role of social media use in loneliness and psychological distress before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Study 1 utilized nationally representative 3-point longitudinal data (n = 735) collected in 2017–2020 on the Finnish population. Study 2 utilized 5-point longitudinal data (n = 840) collected in 2019–2021 representing the Finnish working population. We analyzed the data using multilevel mixed-effects regression analysis. A longitudinal analysis of Study 1 showed that perceived loneliness did not increase among the Finnish population during the COVID-19 pandemic. Stronger involvement in social media identity bubbles predicted lower loneliness during the pandemic. Study 2 results showed that since the outbreak of the pandemic, psychological distress has increased among lonely individuals but not among the general working population. Involvement in social media identity bubbles predicted generally lower psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic, but it did not buffer against higher psychological distress among lonely individuals. The findings suggest that perceived loneliness is a risk factor for prolonged negative mental health effects of the pandemic. Social media identity bubbles can offer meaningful social resources during times of social distancing but cannot protect against higher psychological distress among those who perceive themselves as often lonely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Latikka
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Tampere University, Kalevantie 4, 33100, Tampere, Finland.
| | - Aki Koivula
- Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Turku, Assistentinkatu 7, 20500, Turku, Finland.
| | - Reetta Oksa
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Tampere University, Kalevantie 4, 33100, Tampere, Finland.
| | - Nina Savela
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Tampere University, Kalevantie 4, 33100, Tampere, Finland.
| | - Atte Oksanen
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Tampere University, Kalevantie 4, 33100, Tampere, Finland.
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Cotten SR, Schuster AM, Seifert A. Social media use and well-being among older adults. Curr Opin Psychol 2021; 45:101293. [DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2021.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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Marttila E, Koivula A, Räsänen P. Cybercrime Victimization and Problematic Social Media Use: Findings from a Nationally Representative Panel Study. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE : AJCJ 2021; 46:862-881. [PMID: 34848939 PMCID: PMC8614072 DOI: 10.1007/s12103-021-09665-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
According to criminological research, online environments create new possibilities for criminal activity and deviant behavior. Problematic social media use (PSMU) is a habitual pattern of excessive use of social media platforms. Past research has suggested that PSMU predicts risky online behavior and negative life outcomes, but the relationship between PSMU and cybercrime victimization is not properly understood. In this study, we use the framework of routine activity theory (RAT) and lifestyle-exposure theory (LET) to examine the relationship between PSMU and cybercrime victimization. We analyze how PSMU is linked to cybercrime victimization experiences. We explore how PSMU predicts cybercrime victimization, especially under those risky circumstances that generally increase the probability of victimization. Our data come from nationally representative surveys, collected in Finland in 2017 and 2019. The results of the between-subjects tests show that problematic PSMU correlates relatively strongly with cybercrime victimization. Within-subjects analysis shows that increased PSMU increases the risk of victimization. Overall, the findings indicate that, along with various confounding factors, PSMU has a notable cumulative effect on victimization. The article concludes with a short summary and discussion of the possible avenues for future research on PSMU and cybercrime victimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eetu Marttila
- Economic Sociology, Department of Social Research, University of Turku, Assistentinkatu 7, 20014 Turku, Finland
| | - Aki Koivula
- Economic Sociology, Department of Social Research, University of Turku, Assistentinkatu 7, 20014 Turku, Finland
| | - Pekka Räsänen
- Economic Sociology, Department of Social Research, University of Turku, Assistentinkatu 7, 20014 Turku, Finland
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Fioravanti G, Casale S, Benucci SB, Prostamo A, Falone A, Ricca V, Rotella F. Fear of missing out and social networking sites use and abuse: A meta-analysis. COMPUTERS IN HUMAN BEHAVIOR 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2021.106839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Zhang K, Kim K, Silverstein NM, Song Q, Burr JA. Social Media Communication and Loneliness Among Older Adults: The Mediating Roles of Social Support and Social Contact. THE GERONTOLOGIST 2021; 61:888-896. [PMID: 33284972 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnaa197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Social media communication offers a medium for helping older people stay socially and emotionally connected with others. This study investigated the association between social media communication with close social ties and loneliness among community-dwelling older adults. The study also examined the mediating roles of social support and social contact. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Four waves of data from the Health and Retirement Study (2010/2012 and 2014/2016) were used to address the research questions (N = 7,524). A path model was estimated to examine the association between social media communication and older adults' loneliness. We also examined whether the association between social media communication and loneliness was mediated by perceived social support from close social ties (children, other family members, and friends) and frequency of contact with social network members (phone, in-person contact, and writing letters/e-mail). RESULTS The results showed that frequent social media communication was associated with lower levels of loneliness, adjusting for previous levels of loneliness. The relationship between social media communication and loneliness was mediated by perceived social support and social contact. Thus, social media communication was associated with higher levels of perceived social support and social contact, which were related to lower levels of loneliness among older adults. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS These findings suggested that social media communication may be considered an intervention to reduce loneliness among older people by increasing levels of social support and social contact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kunyu Zhang
- Department of Gerontology, University of Massachusetts Boston, USA
| | - Kyungmin Kim
- Department of Gerontology, University of Massachusetts Boston, USA
| | | | - Qian Song
- Department of Gerontology, University of Massachusetts Boston, USA
| | - Jeffrey A Burr
- Department of Gerontology, University of Massachusetts Boston, USA
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Hong Y, Fu J, Kong D, Liu S, Zhong Z, Tan J, Luo Y. Benefits and barriers: a qualitative study on online social participation among widowed older adults in Southwest China. BMC Geriatr 2021; 21:450. [PMID: 34344309 PMCID: PMC8329635 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-021-02381-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND With the development of digital media, online activities are increasingly becoming part of the daily life of older adults. Widowed older adults generally would face changes in social interactions and activities due to widowhood; thus, the importance of online participation may be more prominent in this population. However, a detailed evidence on the experiences of online social participation among widowed older adults is relatively sparse. This study aimed to explore widowed older adults' perceptions regarding online social participation in southwestern China. METHODS This study adopted a qualitative approach. Semi-structured, in-depth individual interviews were conducted with 19 widowed older adults between September-December 2020. Thematic analysis was applied to analyse the data. RESULTS Two major themes, "benefits" and "barriers" were identified from the original data analysis. Subcategories concerning the theme "benefits" were "benefit perception (convenience, flexible time, supplementation)", "health promotion", "emotional comfort", and "social connection". Subcategories of "barriers" were "worries: personal economic loss", "concerns: security of digital device", "troubles: the diversity of online social participation", and "difficulties: using digital media". CONCLUSIONS Social participation of widowed older adults in southwestern China has begun to be integrated into the digital world; however, it remains at an early stage with the simple purpose of engagement. The older adults may face many challenges for online social participation. Although there are barriers and challenges in online social participation, widowed older adults can reap its benefits, which can be used as an important measure to facilitate a fulfilling life and successful ageing. There is no doubt that online social participation will become a trend within the foreseeable future. Family, friends and health care professionals should pay more attention to the needs of online social participation in widowed older adults and provide adequate support for them to achieve a meaningful life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Hong
- School of Nursing, Army Medical University / Third Military Medical University, No. 30 Gaotanyan Street, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 400038 People’s Republic of China
| | - Jingjing Fu
- School of Nursing, Army Medical University / Third Military Medical University, No. 30 Gaotanyan Street, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 400038 People’s Republic of China
| | - Dehui Kong
- School of Nursing, Army Medical University / Third Military Medical University, No. 30 Gaotanyan Street, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 400038 People’s Republic of China
| | - Siqi Liu
- School of Nursing, Army Medical University / Third Military Medical University, No. 30 Gaotanyan Street, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 400038 People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhu Zhong
- School of Nursing, Army Medical University / Third Military Medical University, No. 30 Gaotanyan Street, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 400038 People’s Republic of China
| | - Jing Tan
- School of Nursing, Army Medical University / Third Military Medical University, No. 30 Gaotanyan Street, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 400038 People’s Republic of China
| | - Yu Luo
- School of Nursing, Army Medical University / Third Military Medical University, No. 30 Gaotanyan Street, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 400038 People’s Republic of China
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Meshi D, Ellithorpe ME. Problematic social media use and social support received in real-life versus on social media: Associations with depression, anxiety and social isolation. Addict Behav 2021; 119:106949. [PMID: 33934007 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2021.106949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Social media platforms allow people to connect with each other and obtain social rewards. In some individuals, these reinforcing rewards can induce maladaptive, problematic social media use, with symptoms similar to substance use disorders. This problematic social media use has been associated with poorer mental health. Previous studies have demonstrated that social support can protect against poor mental health. People can receive social support both in real-life and on social media, however, so we investigated whether these two types of social support mediate the relationship between problematic social media use and poor mental health. We conducted an online survey, collecting measures of problematic social media use and mental health (depression, anxiety, and social isolation), as well as measures of real-life social support and social support received on social media. We then performed a path analysis on these data. Our analysis revealed that problematic social media use was significantly associated with decreased real-life social support and increased social support on social media. Importantly, real-life social support was then associated with reduced depression, anxiety, and social isolation, while social support on social media was not associated with these mental health measures. Our findings reveal the value of real-life social support when considering the relationship between problematic social media use and mental health. Implications for further research and practice are discussed.
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Small GW, Lee J, Kaufman A, Jalil J, Siddarth P, Gaddipati H, Moody TD, Bookheimer SY. Brain health consequences of digital technology use
. DIALOGUES IN CLINICAL NEUROSCIENCE 2021; 22:179-187. [PMID: 32699518 PMCID: PMC7366948 DOI: 10.31887/dcns.2020.22.2/gsmall] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Emerging scientific evidence indicates that frequent digital technology use has a
significant impact—both negative and positive—on brain function and behavior. Potential
harmful effects of extensive screen time and technology use include heightened
attention-deficit symptoms, impaired emotional and social intelligence, technology
addiction, social isolation, impaired brain development, and disrupted sleep. However,
various apps, videogames, and other online tools may benefit brain health. Functional
imaging scans show that internet-naive older adults who learn to search online show
significant increases in brain neural activity during simulated internet searches.
Certain computer programs and videogames may improve memory, multitasking skills, fluid
intelligence, and other cognitive abilities. Some apps and digital tools offer mental
health interventions providing self-management, monitoring, skills training, and other
interventions that may improve mood and behavior. Additional research on the positive
and negative brain health effects of technology is needed to elucidate mechanisms and
underlying causal relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary W Small
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences and Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, the UCLA Longevity Center, David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, California, US
| | - Jooyeon Lee
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences and Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, the UCLA Longevity Center, David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, California, US
| | - Aaron Kaufman
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences and Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, the UCLA Longevity Center, David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, California, US
| | - Jason Jalil
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences and Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, the UCLA Longevity Center, David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, California, US
| | - Prabha Siddarth
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences and Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, the UCLA Longevity Center, David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, California, US
| | - Himaja Gaddipati
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences and Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, the UCLA Longevity Center, David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, California, US
| | - Teena D Moody
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences and Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, the UCLA Longevity Center, David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, California, US
| | - Susan Y Bookheimer
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences and Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, the UCLA Longevity Center, David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, California, US
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Nesi J, Burke TA, Bettis AH, Kudinova AY, Thompson EC, MacPherson HA, Fox KA, Lawrence HR, Thomas SA, Wolff JC, Altemus MK, Soriano S, Liu RT. Social media use and self-injurious thoughts and behaviors: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Psychol Rev 2021; 87:102038. [PMID: 34034038 PMCID: PMC8243901 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2021.102038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Despite considerable public and scholarly debate about the role of social media in self-injurious thoughts and behaviors (SITBs), no comprehensive, quantitative synthesis of this literature has previously been undertaken. The current systematic review and meta-analysis examines associations between social media use and SITBs, including suicidal ideation, suicide plans, suicide attempts, and nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI). A range of social media behaviors and experiences were identified, including cybervictimization and perpetration, exposure to and generation of SITB-related content, problematic use, sexting, social media importance, and frequency of use. A systematic search of PsycINFO, Medline, CINAHL, and the references of prior reviews yielded 61 eligible studies. Results largely suggested medium effect sizes for associations between specific social media constructs (cybervictimization, SITB-related social media use, problematic social media use) and SITBs. There was no association between frequency of social media use and SITBs; however, studies on this topic were limited. The majority of studies identified focused on cybervictimization, and results suggested positive associations with all SITBs, with the association between cybervictimization and suicidal ideation stronger for adolescents than adults. Overall, findings highlight the utility of examining specific social media behaviors and experiences, and point to the need for more research in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline Nesi
- Alpert Medical School of Brown University, United States; Rhode Island Hospital, United States.
| | - Taylor A Burke
- Alpert Medical School of Brown University, United States; Rhode Island Hospital, United States
| | | | - Anastacia Y Kudinova
- Alpert Medical School of Brown University, United States; Emma Pendleton Bradley Hospital, United States
| | - Elizabeth C Thompson
- Alpert Medical School of Brown University, United States; Rhode Island Hospital, United States
| | - Heather A MacPherson
- Alpert Medical School of Brown University, United States; Emma Pendleton Bradley Hospital, United States
| | - Kara A Fox
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, United States
| | - Hannah R Lawrence
- McLean Hospital, United States; Havard Medical School, United States
| | - Sarah A Thomas
- Alpert Medical School of Brown University, United States; Emma Pendleton Bradley Hospital, United States
| | - Jennifer C Wolff
- Alpert Medical School of Brown University, United States; Rhode Island Hospital, United States
| | | | - Sheiry Soriano
- Alpert Medical School of Brown University, United States
| | - Richard T Liu
- Havard Medical School, United States; Massachusetts General Hospital, United States
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Ostic D, Qalati SA, Barbosa B, Shah SMM, Galvan Vela E, Herzallah AM, Liu F. Effects of Social Media Use on Psychological Well-Being: A Mediated Model. Front Psychol 2021; 12:678766. [PMID: 34234717 PMCID: PMC8255677 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.678766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The growth in social media use has given rise to concerns about the impacts it may have on users' psychological well-being. This paper's main objective is to shed light on the effect of social media use on psychological well-being. Building on contributions from various fields in the literature, it provides a more comprehensive study of the phenomenon by considering a set of mediators, including social capital types (i.e., bonding social capital and bridging social capital), social isolation, and smartphone addiction. The paper includes a quantitative study of 940 social media users from Mexico, using structural equation modeling (SEM) to test the proposed hypotheses. The findings point to an overall positive indirect impact of social media usage on psychological well-being, mainly due to the positive effect of bonding and bridging social capital. The empirical model's explanatory power is 45.1%. This paper provides empirical evidence and robust statistical analysis that demonstrates both positive and negative effects coexist, helping to reconcile the inconsistencies found so far in the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dragana Ostic
- School of Finance and Economics, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | | | - Belem Barbosa
- Research Unit of Governance, Competitiveness, and Public Policies (GOVCOPP), Center for Economics and Finance (cef.up), School of Economics and Management, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Syed Mir Muhammad Shah
- Department of Business Administration, Sukkur Institute of Business Administration (IBA) University, Sukkur, Pakistan
| | | | | | - Feng Liu
- Business School, Shandong University, Weihai, China
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