Influence of New Internet Usage on Depressive Symptoms Among Older Adults: Does the Effect Vary in People with Different Economic Status?

Abstract

This study investigated the longitudinal effect of new internet usage on depressive symptoms and whether economic status modified this association. Data were from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study, involving 5,259 participants who were 60 +, did not use the internet in 2015, and were followed up in 2018. Linear regression with standard errors clustered at the city level was employed. We found that new internet usage was associated with less depressive symptoms, and the association was more profound among the poor participants. It implies that bridging the digital divide requires special attention to those with disadvantaged economic status.