The impact of internet use on the subjective well-being of older adults: The mediating role of mental health.

ABSTRACT:

Background

As internet use rises among older adults, the internet has become a vital tool for maintaining social ties and enhancing life satisfaction. Prior research suggests that online engagement may be linked to subjective well-being (SWB) by offering emotional support and opportunities for participation. However, the psychological pathways underlying this association-such as psychological anxiety, social loneliness, and goal deficiency (reduced sense of purpose)-remain underexplored. To address this gap, this study examines how these psychological factors are associated with internet use and older adults' SWB in a cross-sectional context.

Methods

Drawing on cross-sectional data from the 2021 Chinese General Social Survey (CGSS), this study analyzed a sample of 825 Chines

SUBMITTER: Hu J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12578345 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature