How Online Social Engagement Can Influence Anxiety and Depression in Older Adults

Depending on the content and how it is used, social media can bring positive or negative effects to the elderly population.

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Researchers have discovered an interesting relationship between internet-based social engagement and the prevalence of anxiety and depression in older adults.

The study, published in New Media & Society, aimed to investigate how online social engagement may positively or negatively affect anxiety and depression rates among older adults. Researchers surveyed 1,026 adults, 60 or older, regarding their experiences engaging in online socialization. The researchers found that certain social media activities were associated with higher rates of depression and anxiety in older adults. These activities primarily included looking at photos of non-family members, answering questions for others, and checking in on people suddenly absent from an online community.

Study Finding Explained

The researchers found that different forms of online social engagement affected incidences of anxiety and depression differently. For example, while looking at photos of family members was not related to depression or anxiety, looking at photos of non-family members resulted in higher rates of anxiety.