Research on the Impact of Internet Use on Depression in Older Adults:the Serial Mediation Effect of Social Participation and Cognitive Function
10.11783/j.issn.1002-3674.2025.05.015
- VernacularTitle:互联网使用对老年人抑郁的影响研究
- Author:
Xi CHEN
1
;
Yaxin ZHU
;
Bo QU
Author Information
1. 中国医科大学健康管理学院(110122)
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Older adult;
Internet use;
Social participation;
Cognitive function;
Depression
- From:
Chinese Journal of Health Statistics
2025;42(5):727-729
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Objective To explore the serial mediating roles of social participation and cognitive function in the relationship between internet use and depression in older adults.Methods Based on 6356 older adults from the 2020 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Survey(CHARLS),the Process 3.3 of SPSS was employed to analyze the serial mediation effects.Results 1650 older adults(25.96％)had used the internet in the past month.The direct effect of internet use on depression was not significant,with an effect value of 0.088(95％CI:-0.282 to 0.458).The separate mediating effect of social participation was significant,with an effect value of-0.228(95％CI:-0.299 to-0.163).The separate mediating effect of cognitive function was also significant,with an effect value of-0.207(95％CI:-0.271 to-0.147).The serial mediation effect of social participation and cognitive function was significant,with an effect value of-0.027(95％CI:-0.038 to-0.017).Conclusion Internet use indirectly reduces or mitigates depression in older adults by promoting social participation and enhancing cognitive function.Therefore,efforts should be made to address the digital divide among older adults,encourage the internet use for recreational activities,facilitate social participation,and enhance cognitive function to prevent the onset or worsening of depression and to build a society conducive to active aging.
