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Examining the role of ICT usage in loneliness perception and mental health of the elderly in China

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  • Ma, Xiumei
  • Zhang, Xiaofei
  • Guo, Xitong
  • Lai, Kee-hung
  • Vogel, Doug

Abstract

Loneliness and mental health are critical concerns for the elderly, but not much is known about this issue in China. This research empirically examines the role of information communication technology (ICT) among elderly users in the Chinese context, with a specific focus on the interplay between ICT and social isolation, in determining elders' loneliness and mental health. Survey data collected from 304 elderly participants in China show that ICT plays a significant yet complicated role in understanding the loneliness and mental health of elderly people. The findings indicate that ICT usage reduces loneliness perception, and this effect can be strengthened by elders' ICT self-efficacy. Furthermore, ICT usage strengthens the effect of social isolation on perceived loneliness, which is counterintuitive to common sense. Practitioners are advised to devote more attention to elderly people's mental health through promoting their online information communication channel usage and improving their ICT self-efficacy.

Suggested Citation

  • Ma, Xiumei & Zhang, Xiaofei & Guo, Xitong & Lai, Kee-hung & Vogel, Doug, 2021. "Examining the role of ICT usage in loneliness perception and mental health of the elderly in China," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 67(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:teinso:v:67:y:2021:i:c:s0160791x21001937
    DOI: 10.1016/j.techsoc.2021.101718
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    Cited by:

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    2. Li, Xue & Seah, Rachel & Wang, Xueqin & Yuen, Kum Fai, 2022. "Investigating the role of sociotechnical factors on seafarers’ psychological capital and mental well-being," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 71(C).
    3. Park, Sunhee & Kim, Beomsoo, 2022. "The impact of everyday AI-based smart speaker use on the well-being of older adults living alone," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 71(C).
    4. Uglješa Stankov & Ulrike Gretzel & Miroslav D. Vujičić & Vanja Pavluković & Tamara Jovanović & Milica Solarević & Marija Cimbaljević, 2022. "The pandemic of loneliness: designing smart tourism for combating loneliness," Information Technology & Tourism, Springer, vol. 24(4), pages 439-455, December.
    5. Olatunji A. Shobande & Lawrence Ogbeifun & Simplice A. Asongu, 2022. "Globalisation, technology and global health," Working Papers 22/070, European Xtramile Centre of African Studies (EXCAS).
    6. Chun Yang & Daniel W. L. Lai & Yi Sun & Chun-Yin Ma & Anson Kai Chun Chau, 2022. "Mobile Application Use and Loneliness among Older Adults in the Digital Age: Insights from a Survey in Hong Kong during the COVID-19 Pandemic," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(13), pages 1-22, June.

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