Unravelling the association between internet use and loneliness among Chinese older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic: the role of potentially moderating and mediating factors.

BACKGROUND

The benefits of Internet use in reducing loneliness among older adults have been well-documented, particularly during COVID-19 lockdowns. However, most existing research has focused on high-income countries. Studies exploring this relationship in lower-and middle-income countries are lacking, where low Internet penetration and significant digital divides persist among older adults. This study aimed to investigate the association between Internet use and loneliness among older adults in China, a large middle-income country. We further investigated the moderating effects of several demographic characteristics and COVID-19-related factors, as well as the mediating roles of social participation and online social contact in the observed associations.

METHODS

Data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Survey was used in this study (N = 7,303). We used ordered logistic regression to evaluate the association between Internet use and loneliness among adults aged 65 years and older. Additionally, we examined whether demographic characteristics, such as gender, marital status, and urban-rural region of residence, the severity of lockdown, and COVID-19 fears and anxiety, moderated this relationship. We also explored the mediating roles of social participation and online social contact.

RESULTS

Internet use was significantly associated with lower odds of experiencing loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic, even after adjusting for pre-COVID-19 loneliness levels. Being married further strengthened the association between Internet use and lower loneliness. Social participation and online social contact both mediated the association.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings highlight the potential of Internet use as an intervention to mitigate loneliness among older adults during major public health crises, such as the COVID-19, by promoting social participation and online social contact. This provides an implication for developing strategies to support the older population during future crises.