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Relationship Between Internet Behaviors and Social Engagement in Middle-Aged and Older Adults in Taiwan

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  • Ching-Ju Chiu

    (Institute of Gerontology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70101, Taiwan)

Abstract

Aim: To examine older adults’ Internet use patterns and its relationship with social engagement. Methods: Telephonic interview data of older Internet users from two urban and two rural areas were analyzed ( N = 248). Cluster analysis was used to identify their Internet use patterns. Multinomial logistic regression identified characteristics associated with the Internet usage groups, and the multiple regression was used to examine if the Internet usage pattern was associated with social engagement in real life. Results: The majority of older adults in Taiwan using the Internet were considered Leisure users (32%). Others were Sporadic (26%), Instrumental (21%), and Eager users (21%). Leisure and Eager users, but not Instrumental users, had significantly higher scores on social engagement compared with Sporadic users after controlling for sociodemographic and behavioral covariates. Eager Internet users were associated with 22.8% increase in the social engagement level, and Leisure users were associated with 31.2% increase in the social engagement level. Conclusions: Older adults with different Internet behaviors were associated with distinct sociodemographic and social engagement behaviors. Causal relationship is warranted for further investigation.

Suggested Citation

  • Ching-Ju Chiu, 2019. "Relationship Between Internet Behaviors and Social Engagement in Middle-Aged and Older Adults in Taiwan," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(3), pages 1-13, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:16:y:2019:i:3:p:416-:d:202384
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Barbara Barbosa Neves & Fausto Amaro & Jaime R. S. Fonseca, 2013. "Coming of (Old) Age in the Digital Age: ICT Usage and Non-Usage among Older Adults," Sociological Research Online, , vol. 18(2), pages 22-35, May.
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    Cited by:

    1. Huang Xiaobing & Chen Meng, 2022. "The Impact of Internet Use on Community Participation of Older Adults: Evidence From China," SAGE Open, , vol. 12(2), pages 21582440221, May.
    2. Gabor Toth & Krisztian Kapus & David Hesszenberger & Marietta Pohl & Gabor Kosa & Julianna Kiss & Gabriella Pusch & Eva Fejes & Antal Tibold & Gergely Feher, 2021. "Internet Addiction and Burnout in A Single Hospital: Is There Any Association?," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(2), pages 1-10, January.
    3. Pi-Chun Hsu & I-Hsiung Chang & Ru-Si Chen, 2019. "Online Learning Communities and Mental Health Literacy for Preschool Teachers: The Moderating Role of Enthusiasm for Engagement," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(22), pages 1-9, November.
    4. Wenjia Li & Shengwei Shen & Jidong Yang & Qinghe Tang, 2021. "Internet-Based Medical Service Use and Eudaimonic Well-Being of Urban Older Adults: A Peer Support and Technology Acceptance Model," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(22), pages 1-16, November.
    5. Mary Chidiac & Christopher Ross & Hannah R. Marston & Shannon Freeman, 2022. "Age and Gender Perspectives on Social Media and Technology Practices during the COVID-19 Pandemic," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(21), pages 1-14, October.

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