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Impact of Internet Use on Mental Health among Elderly Individuals: A Difference-in-Differences Study Based on 2016–2018 CFPS Data

Author

Listed:
  • Huan Zhang

    (School of Social Development and Public Policy, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China)

  • Hongyang Wang

    (School of Social Development and Public Policy, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China)

  • Huiyu Yan

    (School of Social Development and Public Policy, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China)

  • Xiaoyu Wang

    (School of Social Development and Public Policy, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China)

Abstract

The number of elderly Internet users has increased significantly in the past few years. However, the impact of Internet use on mental health remains unclear. In this study, we performed a difference-in-differences analysis using data from the 2016 and 2018 waves of the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) to evaluate the impact of Internet usage on mental health among elderly individuals. A total of 5031 validated respondents were included to explore the relationship between Internet use and reduced levels of depression as well as improved life satisfaction among elderly individuals. The results showed that Internet use significantly reduced depression levels. Unexpectedly, Internet use was not found to improve life satisfaction. Moreover, discontinuing Internet use was not significantly associated with improvements in depression or life satisfaction. More research is needed to fully elucidate the relationship between Internet use and depression levels, as well as life satisfaction among elderly individuals.

Suggested Citation

  • Huan Zhang & Hongyang Wang & Huiyu Yan & Xiaoyu Wang, 2021. "Impact of Internet Use on Mental Health among Elderly Individuals: A Difference-in-Differences Study Based on 2016–2018 CFPS Data," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(1), pages 1-13, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2021:i:1:p:101-:d:709199
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    4. Dan Ma & Hao Yuan, 2021. "Neighborhood Environment, Internet Use and Mental Distress among Older Adults: The Case of Shanghai, China," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(7), pages 1-12, March.
    5. Chris Gilleard & Martin Hyde & Paul Higgs, 2007. "Community and Communication in the Third Age: The Impact of Internet and Cell Phone Use on Attachment to Place in Later Life in England," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 62(4), pages 276-283.
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