The association between use of online social networks sites and perceived social isolation among individuals in the second half of life: results based on a nationally representative sample in Germany

WeChat usage and preservation of cognitive functions in middle-aged and older Chinese adults: indications from a nationally representative survey, 2018-2020

PURPOSE

To investigate the associations between the most popular social media platform WeChat usage and cognitive performance among the middle-aged and older Chinese population using data from a nationally representative survey.

METHODS

In total, 17,472 participants (≥ 45 years old) from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS, Wave 4, 2018) were analyzed. Cognitive performance including episodic memory and executive function was assessed using Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE). Other confounding variables included socio-economic characteristics, medical status, and lifestyle-related information. Multiple linear regression models were used to test the association between cognitive performance and WeChat usage by introducing covariates hierarchically. Subgroup analyses of age and gender were conducted to estimate the robustness of the primary findings.

RESULTS

After adjusting for multiple confounders across all linear models, WeChat usage is significantly associated with executive function, episodic memory, and global cognitive performance (all p values<0.05). Such results remained robust in subgroup analyses, stratified by age and gender, and also verified according to longitudinal analyses. Compared to 'Chat-only' users who only used WeChat for online interpersonal communication, further usage of WeChat functions such as using 'Moments' appeared to be significantly associated with better cognitive performance, especially for episodic memory.

CONCLUSION

Social media usage is significantly and positively associated with better cognitive performance among the middle-aged and older Chinese population. Along with point-to-point messaging, using 'Moments' and extended social media platform functions may correlate to better cognitive performance.

From "online brains" to "online lives": understanding the individualized impacts of Internet use across psychological, cognitive and social dimensions

In response to the mass adoption and extensive usage of Internet-enabled devices across the world, a major review published in this journal in 2019 examined the impact of Internet on human cognition, discussing the concepts and ideas behind the "online brain". Since then, the online world has become further entwined with the fabric of society, and the extent to which we use such technologies has continued to grow. Furthermore, the research evidence on the ways in which Internet usage affects the human mind has advanced considerably. In this paper, we sought to draw upon the latest data from large-scale epidemiological studies and systematic reviews, along with randomized controlled trials and qualitative research recently emerging on this topic, in order to now provide a multi-dimensional overview of the impacts of Internet usage across psychological, cognitive and societal outcomes. Within this, we detail the empirical evidence on how effects differ according to various factors such as age, gender, and usage types. We also draw from new research examining more experiential aspects of individuals' online lives, to understand how the specifics of their interactions with the Internet, and the impact on their lifestyle, determine the benefits or drawbacks of online time. Additionally, we explore how the nascent but intriguing areas of culturomics, artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and augmented reality are changing our understanding of how the Internet can interact with brain and behavior. Overall, the importance of taking an individualized and multi-dimensional approach to how the Internet affects mental health, cognition and social functioning is clear. Furthermore, we emphasize the need for guidelines, policies and initiatives around Internet usage to make full use of the evidence available from neuroscientific, behavioral and societal levels of research presented herein.

The Role of Social Media in the Experiences of COVID-19 Among Long-Hauler Women: Qualitative Study

BACKGROUND

The extant literature suggests that women are more vulnerable to COVID-19 infection and at higher risk for developing long COVID. Due to pandemic mitigation recommendations, social media was relied upon for various aspects of daily life, likely with differences of usage between genders.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to explore the role and functions of social media in the lives of long-hauler women.

METHODS

Participants were purposively snowball-sampled from an online health promotion intervention for long-hauler women with COVID-19 from March to June 2021. During this time, one-on-one, semistructured interviews were conducted online until data saturation was agreed to have been achieved (ie, 15 interviews). Interview transcripts and field notes were analyzed using an emergent, inductive approach.

RESULTS

In total, 15 women were enrolled. The main roles of social media included facilitating support group participation, experience sharing, interpersonal connections, and media consumption. Emergent themes demonstrated that participants rely on social media to fulfill needs of emotional support, social engagement, spirituality, health planning, information gathering, professional support, and recreationally for relaxation. As long-hauler women turn to social media to discuss symptom and health management as well as the intention to vaccinate, this study demonstrates both the associated benefits (ie, decreased isolation) and challenges (ie, misinformation, rumination, resentment, jealousy).

CONCLUSIONS

The public health implications of these findings support the development of gender-tailored health promotion interventions that leverage the benefits of social media, while mitigating the negative impacts, for women with long COVID.

When the antidote is the poison: Investigating the relationship between people's social media usage and loneliness when face-to-face communication is restricted

When governments mandated lockdowns to limit the spread of the coronavirus, the resulting reduction of face-to-face communication threatened many people's psychological well-being by fostering feelings of loneliness. Given social media's eponymous social nature, we study the relationship between people's social media usage and their loneliness during these times of physical social restrictions. We contrast literature highlighting the social value of social media with a competing logic based on the "internet paradox," according to which increased social media usage may paradoxically be associated with increasing, not decreasing, levels of loneliness. As the extant literature provides opposing correlational insights into the general relationship of social media usage and loneliness, we offer competing hypotheses and offer novel longitudinal insights into the phenomenon of interest. In the empirical context of Germany's initial lockdown, our research uses survey panel data from February 2020 (before the lockdown) and April 2020 (during the lockdown) to contribute longitudinal evidence to the matter. We find that more usage of social media in the studied lockdown setting is indeed associated with more, not less loneliness. Thus, our results suggest a "social media paradox" when physical social restrictions are mandated and caution social media users and policy makers to not consider social media as a valuable alternative for social interaction. A post-hoc analysis suggests that more communication via richer digital media which are available during physical lockdowns (e.g., video chats) softens the "social media paradox". Conclusively, this research provides deeper insights into the social value of social interactions via digital media during lockdowns and contributes novel insights into the relationship between social media and loneliness during such times when physical social interaction is heavily restricted.

Socially connected while apart: the use of technology to increase social connection between nursing home residents and their relatives

Introduction

This study examines whether the use of a communication technology can enhance social connectedness among nursing home residents in Norway. The concept of social connectedness suggest that positive and significant interpersonal relationships can help reduce the risk of loneliness and social isolation among older adults and can be beneficial for both their health and overall well-being. In recent years, technology has been increasingly utilized as a method to overcome physical distances and to keep families connected. Although the use of digital solutions among older people has increased in recent years, few studies have addressed the use and impact of such technologies within a nursing home context.

Methods

A total of 225 residents participated in the study, making it one of the few quantitative studies that examine the use of communication technologies in nursing homes at such a large scale. The study combines two sources of data: (1) survey data collected over a 14-month period, in three different waves, at all public nursing homes in Oslo municipality and (2) a highly detailed weekly datastream from each Komp-device, which provides an objective measure of the frequency of contact between the residents and their families. The two sources of data were combined and analyzed using multiple regression analysis.

Results

The regression analysis revealed a positive and significant relationship between Komp use and increased social satisfaction among the residents. The results indicate that Komp is a feasible communication tool to help nursing home residents maintain relations with their families.

Discussion

The positive response to Komp among the residents suggests that when designed with the user's needs in mind, technology can indeed facilitate meaningful social interactions, even for those with limited technological experience. Such interventions can thus be crucial in bridging the gap between older residents and the outside world, effectively addressing their unique challenges of social isolation and disconnection from the broader community.

Staying connected in old age: associations between bonding social capital, loneliness and well-being and the value of digital media

OBJECTIVES

We examined associations between age, bonding social capital (BSC), loneliness and psychological, social and emotional well-being in old age. As in theory digital media can support both preservation of and access to someone's social capital, we also explored associations between the use of WhatsApp, social network sites (SNS) and Internet applications and respectively BSC and loneliness.

METHOD

In this cross-sectional study a sample of 349 older adults (range = 70y-93y; Mean(SD)=74.8y(4.9y); 59.6% male) filled out a questionnaire including the bonding social capital subscale of the personal social capital scale for elderly (PSCSE), validated scales measuring social, emotional, and psychological well-being and loneliness, the SNS intensity scale and items measuring frequencies of Whatsapp use and use of various Internet functions. Also relevant demographic and other covariates were included.

RESULTS

Regression analyses including relevant covariates confirmed our hypotheses, finding negative associations between BSC and both age and loneliness, and positive associations between BSC and psychological, social and emotional well-being. WhatsApp and Internet use were both found positively associated with BSC, whilst a negative association between WhatsApp use and loneliness was found. SNS use was not associated with BSC nor with loneliness.

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicate BSC as an important factor in positive aging and illustrate a widening gap between the need for socio-emotional resources versus their availability. With regard to digital media, we conclude that its value in old age should be sought in providing access to one's bonding social capital rather than adding to it by expanding the number of social relations.

Research on the Influence Mechanisms of the Affective and Cognitive Self-Esteem

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.

Association between WeChat Use and Memory Performance among Older Adults in China: The Mediating Role of Depression

Changes to memory performance in the course of aging may be influenced by behavioral factors. The use of social media among elderly people is increasing, but studying its effect on cognitive functions such as memory remains at an early stage of development. Meanwhile, the linking mechanisms underlying the association between social media use and memory performance, if any exist, have not been revealed. This study attempted to examine the association between the use of WeChat, the most popular social media platform in China, and memory performance among older people, and to test the possible mediating role of depression underlying this association. Data were drawn from the five-wave survey of the China Family Panel Study (CFPS), and 4929 respondents aged 60 or older (mean age = 68.19, SD = 5.84, 48.2% females) were included. Based on the descriptive statistics, the chi-squared test, Student’s t-test, correlation analysis, and mediation analysis were conducted. The results indicated that the usage rate of WeChat among the sample was 20.1%. After controlling for demographic variables, the use of WeChat was related to higher levels of memory performance and lower levels of depression. Moreover, depression partially mediated the relationship between WeChat use and memory performance. To maintain memory performance and promote cognitive health in the course of aging, using social media and alleviating depression merit special attention.

Social Capital Mediates the Association between the ICT Usage and Well-Being of Older People in Japan: Implication for a New Design Paradigm

As the population ages, the question of how to prevent isolation among older people and increase their well-being becomes a social issue. It has often been argued that Information and Communication Technology (ICT) usage can be a solution to these challenges, but empirical studies have not shown consistent results. Moreover, there are even fewer studies targeting older people in Japan, which is the most aging country in the world. Therefore, using the psychological comprehensive data of Japanese people aged 60 and over recorded in World Values Survey Wave 7, we conducted a study to clarify the relationship between the ICT usage, social capital, and well-being of older people to make a meaningful contribution to policymakers and the scientific community. As a result of the analysis, it was shown that ICT usage indirectly enhances well-being by increasing social capital. This indicates that for older people, ICT usage does not have a large effect on enhancing well-being, but becomes sufficiently large only through the improvement of social capital. The pros and cons of such modern communication means should be utilized as a reference when considering the development of future communication means and a human coach—a person who supports the use of communication means by older people. In other words, to think about the spread of communication means to community-dwelling older people in the future, it is always necessary to think about technology usage emphasizing the relationship between older people and society.

Use of Digital Tools, Social Isolation, and Lockdown in People 80 Years and Older Living at Home

The COVID-19 crisis and associated lockdowns have exposed the extent of social isolation among older adults (OAs). Currently, the French government and medical, social, and charitable organizations are working to find means of limiting the multiple psychological and physical consequences of social isolation on the health of OAs. One proposal is to help the elderly become more comfortable using digital tools (DTs). However, the ability of DTs to reduce social isolation is disputed in the literature. This study aimed to collect the views of OAs on social isolation; to identify the determinants of the use or not of DTs, in particular in the context of a lockdown; and the role of DTs in the strategy to reduce social isolation. This qualitative study was based on 27 semi-structured individual interviews with OAs ≥ 80 years, in Côte-d’Or and Haute-Marne (French departments), from March to May 2021. A total of 96.3% of participants had already owned one or more DTs (mobile phone, tablet, or computer) for several years. The lockdown had not prompted the population to equip themselves more. The most common reason for using DTs was to maintain contact with relatives, and 63% of the participants said that DTs have a positive impact in reducing social isolation. However, there is a significant need for assistance and training in their use, especially since many services are now offered online. The participants suggested that the key to minimizing social isolation remained the maintenance of social contacts. In conclusion, DTs appear to be useful for helping the elderly maintain social links with relatives and, therefore, have a strategic place in the reduction of social isolation. However, these tools should not replace in-person interactions.

Exploring the Nuanced Links Between Internet Use and Subjective Well-Being Among Older Adults: A Nordic Population-Based Study

Aim

The aim was to explore the various associations between subjective well-being and internet use among older adults in two regions in Finland and Sweden.

Methods

The data was collected through a population-based survey (N = 9,386) as part of the GERDA project conducted in 2016. The connection between subjective well-being (measured by perceived meaningfulness, happiness and life satisfaction) and internet use (distinguishing between internet users, non-users and users with support, and diverse internet activities) was studied by conducting binary regression analyses, calculating odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals. The analyses also controlled for key subjective well-being covariates.

Results

Statistically significant associations were found between perceived life meaningfulness and internet use. When looking into the specific internet-based activities under study, activities related to leisure and entertainment showed statistically significant associations to perceived meaningfulness as well as perceived happiness, also after controlling for potential covariates. However, internet use and the different internet activities failed to show statistical significant associations to life satisfaction in the adjusted regression model.

Conclusion

The things we do on the internet (the activities) as well as how we conceptualize and measure subjective well-being in this type of research studies seem to matter when it comes to the relationship between subjective well-being and internet use in later life. Internet use and internet activities displayed various connections to the subjective well-being proxies used in this study. Therefore, the complexity and multidimensionality of both subjective well-being and internet use and related links need to be carefully explored in order to deepen our understanding of experienced well-being among older adults in a digitized world.

Self-management of social well-being in a cross-sectional study among community-dwelling older adults: The added value of digital participation

Background

This study aimed to examine associations between self-management abilities and digital participation among community-dwelling older adults with chronic conditions in the Netherlands.

Methods

The study utilized a cross-sectional design. Community-dwelling older adults were sampled from a Dutch nationwide panel study performed in October and November of 2019. We selected all adults of 65 years and above who had one or more chronic diseases (n = 1,656). Self-management was measured by six abilities (e.g., investing in resources for long-term benefits and taking care of a variety of resources), whereas digital participation was estimated with the frequency of four social internet uses (e.g., using social network websites and calling digitally).

Results

When predicting self-management abilities from digital participation, hierarchical multiple regression analysis determined statistically significant and positive relationships, in particular for e-mailing (β = 0.21; p < .001) and meeting new people online (β = 0.07; p < .05). Correlation analyses showed that highest associations were found between internet usage and the self-management abilities ‘taking initiative’ (r = .23; p < .001) and ‘being self-efficacious’ (r = .21; p < .001). Moreover, the study confirmed that higher age (β = -0.13; p < .001) and increased severity of disability (β = -0.12; p < .01) negatively impact abilities for self-management.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that internet usage and self-management abilities are positively related in the older adult population. Further research should be undertaken to examine the links between self-management abilities and digital participation more closely.

Impacts of COVID-19 and social isolation on academic staff and students at universities: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

"The impacts of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and the shutdown it triggered at universities across the world, led to a great degree of social isolation among university staff and students. The aim of this study was to identify the perceived consequences of this on staff and their work and on students and their studies at universities.

METHOD

The study used a variety of methods, which involved an on-line survey on the influences of social isolation using a non-probability sampling. More specifically, two techniques were used, namely a convenience sampling (i.e. involving members of the academic community, which are easy to reach by the study team), supported by a snow ball sampling (recruiting respondents among acquaintances of the participants). A total of 711 questionnaires from 41 countries were received. Descriptive statistics were deployed to analyse trends and to identify socio-demographic differences. Inferential statistics were used to assess significant differences among the geographical regions, work areas and other socio-demographic factors related to impacts of social isolation of university staff and students.

RESULTS

The study reveals that 90% of the respondents have been affected by the shutdown and unable to perform normal work or studies at their institution for between 1 week to 2 months. While 70% of the respondents perceive negative impacts of COVID 19 on their work or studies, more than 60% of them value the additional time that they have had indoors with families and others. .

CONCLUSIONS

While the majority of the respondents agree that they suffered from the lack of social interaction and communication during the social distancing/isolation, there were significant differences in the reactions to the lockdowns between academic staff and students. There are also differences in the degree of influence of some of the problems, when compared across geographical regions. In addition to policy actions that may be deployed, further research on innovative methods of teaching and communication with students is needed in order to allow staff and students to better cope with social isolation in cases of new or recurring pandemics.

Indications of Depressive Symptoms During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Germany: Comparison of National Survey and Twitter Data

BACKGROUND

The current COVID-19 pandemic is associated with extensive individual and societal challenges, including challenges to both physical and mental health. To date, the development of mental health problems such as depressive symptoms accompanying population-based federal distancing measures is largely unknown, and opportunities for rapid, effective, and valid monitoring are currently a relevant matter of investigation.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we aim to investigate, first, the temporal progression of depressive symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic and, second, the consistency of the results from tweets and survey-based self-reports of depressive symptoms within the same time period.

METHODS

Based on a cross-sectional population survey of 9011 German adolescents and adults (n=4659, 51.7% female; age groups from 15 to 50 years and older) and a sample of 88,900 tweets (n=74,587, 83.9% female; age groups from 10 to 50 years and older), we investigated five depressive symptoms (eg, depressed mood and energy loss) using items from the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-8) before, during, and after relaxation of the first German social contact ban from January to July 2020.

RESULTS

On average, feelings of worthlessness were the least frequently reported symptom (survey: n=1011, 13.9%; Twitter: n=5103, 5.7%) and fatigue or loss of energy was the most frequently reported depressive symptom (survey: n=4472, 51.6%; Twitter: n=31,005, 34.9%) among both the survey and Twitter respondents. Young adult women and people living in federal districts with high COVID-19 infection rates were at an increased risk for depressive symptoms. The comparison of the survey and Twitter data before and after the first contact ban showed that German adolescents and adults had a significant decrease in feelings of fatigue and energy loss over time. The temporal progression of depressive symptoms showed high correspondence between both data sources (ρ=0.76-0.93; P<.001), except for diminished interest and depressed mood, which showed a steady increase even after the relaxation of the contact ban among the Twitter respondents but not among the survey respondents.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, the results indicate relatively small differences in depressive symptoms associated with social distancing measures during the COVID-19 pandemic and highlight the need to differentiate between positive (eg, energy level) and negative (eg, depressed mood) associations and variations over time. The results also underscore previous suggestions of Twitter data's potential to help identify hot spots of declining and improving public mental health and thereby help provide early intervention measures, especially for young and middle-aged adults. Further efforts are needed to investigate the long-term consequences of recurring lockdown phases and to address the limitations of social media data such as Twitter data to establish real-time public mental surveillance approaches.

Online Social Networking and Mental Health among Older Adults: A Scoping Review

As the number of older adults is expected to increase exponentially within the next few decades, loneliness, social isolation, and depression among seniors are growing public health concerns. Although formal treatment options, such as therapy and medication, can be helpful for depression, they can also be expensive and sometimes ineffective. It is therefore important to consider other potential treatment options and social interventions. Alternative methods for addressing mental health issues are especially important for older adults, as they may encounter barriers associated with aging such as limited mobility and decreased social networks. In these circumstances, online social networking may offer a potential "social cure" to alleviate loneliness, social isolation, and depression. The purpose of this scoping review was to gather and summarize the current literature on associations between online social networking and mental health outcomes (e.g., depression, life satisfaction, loneliness) among older adults. An initial search of 3,699 articles resulted in 52 articles that met criteria for inclusion. Five common themes were identified: (1) enhanced communication with family and friends, (2) greater independence and self-efficacy, (3) creation of online communities, (4) positive associations with well-being and life satisfaction, and (5) decreased depressive symptoms. Implications for older adults' mental health, social connectedness, programs and policies are discussed.

Social Isolation and Loneliness of Older Adults in Times of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Can Use of Online Social Media Sites and Video Chats Assist in Mitigating Social Isolation and Loneliness?

The COVID-19 pandemic is a serious global burden. Epidemiological data suggest that the severity of COVID-19, in particular its case fatality rate, rises strongly with age. It is possible that neither a vaccine nor an effective treatment will be available for >1 year. Thus, it may be necessary for older adults to protect themselves by avoiding direct social contact and practicing social distancing for a rather long period of time. This may result in loneliness and social isolation because, for example, grandchildren cannot visit their grandparents. In turn, both loneliness and social isolation can have serious deleterious consequences (e.g., in terms of morbidity and mortality). Thus, the question arises: are there ways to mitigate loneliness and social isolation? One way to stay in contact is to use online social media such as Facebook or using video calling software such as Skype. However, there are very few studies examining whether the use of online social media or video chats are associated with loneliness and social isolation in older adults. We sum up some preliminary findings and make a call for further research on the link between online social media use/video chat and loneliness, as well as social isolation, in older adults.

Factors Engaging Users of Diabetes Social Media Channels on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram: Observational Study

Background

Diabetes patient associations and diabetes-specific patient groups around the world are present on social media. Although active participation and engagement in these diabetes social media groups has been mostly linked to positive effects, very little is known about the content that is shared on these channels or the post features that engage their users the most.

Objective

The objective of this study was to analyze (1) the content and features of posts shared over a 3-year period on 3 diabetes social media channels (Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram) of a diabetes association, and (2) users’ engagement with these posts (likes, comments, and shares).

Methods

All social media posts published from the Norwegian Diabetes Association between January 1, 2017, and December 31, 2019, were extracted. Two independent reviewers classified the posts into 7 categories based on their content. The interrater reliability was calculated using Cohen kappa. Regression analyses were carried out to analyze the effects of content topic, social media channel, and post features on users’ engagement (likes, comments, and shares).

Results

A total of 1449 messages were posted. Posts of interviews and personal stories received 111% more likes, 106% more comments, and 112% more shares than miscellaneous posts (all P<.001). Messages posted about awareness days and other celebrations were 41% more likely to receive likes than miscellaneous posts (P<.001). Conversely, posts on research and innovation received 31% less likes (P<.001), 35% less comments (P=.02), and 25% less shares (P=.03) than miscellaneous posts. Health education posts received 38% less comments (P=.003) but were shared 39% more than miscellaneous posts (P=.007). With regard to social media channel, Facebook and Instagram posts were both 35 times more likely than Twitter posts to receive likes, and 60 times and almost 10 times more likely to receive comments, respectively (P<.001). Compared to text-only posts, those with videos had 3 times greater chance of receiving likes, almost 4 times greater chance of receiving comments, and 2.5 times greater chance of being shared (all P<.001). Including both videos and emoji in posts increased the chances of receiving likes by almost 7 times (P<.001). Adding an emoji to posts increased their chances of receiving likes and being shared by 71% and 144%, respectively (P<.001).

Conclusions

Diabetes social media users seem to be least engaged in posts with content topics that a priori could be linked to greater empowerment: research and innovation on diabetes, and health education. Diabetes social media groups, public health authorities, and other stakeholders interested in sharing research and innovation content and promoting health education on social media should consider including videos and emoji in their posts, and publish on popular and visual-based social media channels, such as Facebook and Instagram, to increase user engagement.

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

RR2-10.1186/s12913-018-3178-7

Internet use and need for digital health technology among the elderly: a cross-sectional survey in China

Background

China is becoming an aging society at the fastest pace in history, and there are a large number of empty nesters in the country. With economic and social development, internal support systems among families are gradually weakening. Supporting the elderly is thus emerging as a significant issue, and promoting digital health technologies is an effective way to help address it. Encouraging the application of Internet to elderly care and Internet use among the elderly are important means of promoting digital health technologies. This paper examines the current state of the use of the Internet by the elderly and factors influencing it (including physical, psychological, and social) as well as demand among the elderly for smart services.

Methods

A total of 669 subjects over the age of 60 years were randomly selected from 13 cities in Heilongjiang province and surveyed using questionnaires from May 1 to July 31, 2018. The questionnaires were collected for descriptive statistics, the chi-square test, and the analysis of influential factors.

Results

Of the people surveyed, 38.6% used the Internet. Their favorite online activity was online dating (74.2%), and the health information they obtained through the Internet was mainly related to diet (63.1%) and exercise (47.1%). The subjects demanded smart bracelets (MD = 2.80) and emergency callers (MD = 2.77). Gender, age, education, monthly income, quality of life, number of friends, and social participation were found to have an impact on Internet use.

Conclusions

More measures are needed to reduce barriers to the use of the Internet and promote digital health technologies. The society, equipment manufacturers, and family members of the elderly should work together to enable them to reap the benefits of online technologies.

One Social Media Company to Rule Them All: Associations Between Use of Facebook-Owned Social Media Platforms, Sociodemographic Characteristics, and the Big Five Personality Traits

Currently, 2.7 billion people use at least one of the Facebook-owned social media platforms - Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram. Previous research investigating individual differences between users and non-users of these platforms has typically focused on one platform. However, individuals typically use a combination of Facebook-owned platforms. Therefore, we aim (1) to identify the relative prevalence of different patterns of social media use, and (2) to evaluate potential between-group differences in the distributions of age, gender, education, and Big Five personality traits. Data collection was performed using a cross-sectional design. Specifically, we administered a survey assessing participants' demographic variables, current use of Facebook-owned platforms, and Big Five personality traits. In N = 3003 participants from the general population (60.67% females; mean age = 35.53 years, SD = 13.53), WhatsApp emerged as the most widely used application in the sample, and hence, has the strongest reach. A pattern consisting of a combined use of WhatsApp and Instagram appeared to be most prevalent among the youngest participants. Further, individuals using at least one social media platform were generally younger, more often female, and more extraverted than non-users. Small differences in Conscientiousness and Neuroticism also emerged across groups reporting different combinations of social media use. Interestingly, when examined as control variables, we found demographic characteristics partially accounted for differences in broad personality factors and facets across different patterns of social media use. Our findings are relevant to researchers carrying out their studies via social media platforms, as sample characteristics appear to be different depending on the platform used.

Psychotherapy in the Digital Age: What We Can Learn From Interpersonal Psychotherapy

The digital age poses new challenges for psychotherapy. More than four billion people worldwide use the Internet, and most of them engage with social media. Therapists are increasingly asked to help patients navigate the complex interface between online technology and relationships, but few are prepared to address this issue therapeutically. Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) is an evidence-based psychotherapy for depression and is focused on addressing interpersonal problems. The authors use the IPT framework to explore how therapists can discuss, during in-person sessions, the impact of technology on communication and relationships. The authors describe how therapists can preserve IPT's overarching goal of resolving interpersonal problems by adapting specific techniques to meet the needs of patients who routinely rely on technology to connect with others. Case vignettes illustrate techniques used to evaluate and modify technology-based communication, including problematic text-based interactions. Recommendations are provided for therapists seeking to meet the interpersonal needs of patients in the digital age.

Use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Devices Among the Oldest-Old: Loneliness, Anomie, and Autonomy

Background and Objectives

A good person–environment-fit has positive effects on well-being in old age. As digital technologies are an integral part of older adults’ environments, we predicted that the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) is associated with subjective well-being among the oldest-old. Specifically, we compared different user groups of ICT devices (nonusers, users of nonweb-connected ICT, users of web-connected ICT) and analyzed the relations among ICT use and three domains of subjective well-being (loneliness, anomie, autonomy).

Research Design and Methods

We performed a quantitative data analysis using data from the first representative state-wide survey study in North-Rhine Westphalia, Germany on quality of life and well-being of the oldest-old (n = 1,698; age range: 80–103; 9% long-term care). Multiple regression analyses were applied.

Results

The findings revealed that 25.9% of all individuals aged 80 years and older reported using web-connected ICT, in contrast to 38.5% who do not use ICT at all. Individuals who used web-connected ICT reported lower levels of loneliness and anomie, and higher levels of autonomy. These differences remain significant when controlling for indicators of social inclusion and individual characteristics.

Discussion and Implications

This study investigated an underexplored group in terms of ICT use, shedding light on the relationship between ICT use and subjective well-being. The oldest-old generally use ICT in their everyday life but an age-related digital divide still exists. To avoid negative consequences of nonuse digital infrastructures and technology training for older adults need to be established.

Social isolation: development and validation of measures

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop and empirically validate items on social isolation. The comprehensive literature review of existing studies on the measures of social isolation, loneliness and the related construct was conducted. The paper seeks to conceptualize, validate and present items to measure social isolation.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on theoretical and empirical investigation of the measures of social isolation, loneliness and related constructs such as social others, social loneliness and feeling of sociability. The items were generated through theoretical exploration of previous literature and later modified. The author examined the items through exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis and further checked for external criterion validity. Data collected from 128 individuals, in India, were examined to design and validate the scale.

Findings

The finding of the paper is a ten-item social isolation scale. Using structural equation modeling, we have found extraversion and well-being significantly associated with final items in the present study, confirming the external quality of the scale.

Practical implications

Organizations may benefit by close examination of the presence of social isolation in employees along with providing support and assistance to employees so as to reduce negative consequences of social isolation and can address the well-being of the employee.

Originality/value

There is a dearth of developed and validated measures of social isolation in the literature. The study reveals the conceptualization and empirical validation of measures of social isolation in the Indian context so that researchers can move forward to develop theories on social isolation.