The Effects of Social Media Use on the Health of Older Adults: An Empirical Analysis Based on 2017 Chinese General Social Survey
Abstract
:1. Introduction
2. Methods
2.1. Data Sources
2.2. Variable Selection
2.3. Data Analysis
3. Results
4. Discussion
5. Conclusions
Author Contributions
Funding
Institutional Review Board Statement
Informed Consent Statement
Data Availability Statement
Acknowledgments
Conflicts of Interest
References
- Communiqué of the Seventh National Population Census (No.5). Available online: http://www.stats.gov.cn/english/PressRelease/202105/t20210510_1817190.html (accessed on 11 May 2021).
- Zhao, J.G.; Liu, Z.Q. The Impact of Internet Use on the Health of the Elderly. Chin. J. Popul. Sci. 2020, 5, 126. [Google Scholar]
- The 47th China Statistical Report on Internet Development. Available online: http://cnnic.cn/hlwfzyj/hlwxzbg/hlwtjbg/202102/P020210203334633480104.pdf (accessed on 3 February 2021).
- Choi, N. Relationship Between Health Service Use and Health Information Technology Use among Older Adults: Analysis of the US National Health Interview Survey. J. Med. Internet Res. 2011, 13, e33. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Wei, L. Can the Media Make Us Feel Happier: A Review of Researches on Media and Subjective Well-being. Contemp. Commun. 2010, 4, 16–18. [Google Scholar]
- Choi, N.G.; DiNitto, D.M. Internet Use Among Older Adults: Association With Health Needs, Psychological Capital, and Social Capital. J. Med. Internet Res. 2013, 15, e97. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Leist, A.K. Social Media Use of Older Adults: A Mini-Review. Gerontology 2013, 59, 378–384. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed] [Green Version]
- Kraut, R.; Patterson, M.; Lundmark, V.; Kiesler, S.; Mukopadhyay, T.; Scherlis, W. Internet Paradox. A Social Technology That Reduces Social Involvement and Psychological Well-being? Am. Psychol. 1998, 53, 1017–1031. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Chris, G.; Martin, H.; Paul, H. Community and Communication in the Third Age: The Impact of Internet and Cell Phone Use on Attachment to Place in Later Life in England. J. Gerontol. B Psychol. Sci. Soc. Sci. 2007, 62, 276–283. [Google Scholar]
- Elliot, A.J.; Mooney, C.J.; Douthit, K.Z.; Lynch, M.F. Predictors of Older Adults’ Technology Use and Its Relationship to Depressive Symptoms and Well-being. J. Gerontol. B Psychol. Sci. Soc. Sci. 2014, 69, 667–677. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Xu, Z.R.; Hu, A.A.; Huang, L.H. A Review of Literature on the Elderly’s Internet Usage Behavior. Libr. Inf. Serv. 2017, 61, 140–148. [Google Scholar]
- Pascoa, G.; Gil, H. Facebook and the elderly: The Importance of Social Software in Lifelong Learning. In Proceedings of the 7th Iberian Conference on Information Systems and Technologies (CISTI 2012), Madrid, Spain, 20–23 June 2012. [Google Scholar]
- Van Boekel, L.C.; Peek, S.T.; Luijkx, K.G. Diversity in Older Adults’ Use of the Internet: Identifying Sub-groups Through Latent Class Analysis. J. Med. Internet Res. 2017, 19, 1–11. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Hutto, C.; Bell, C.; Farmer, S.; Fausset, C.; Harley, L.; Nguyen, J.; Fain, W.B. Social Media Gerontology: Understanding Social Media Usage among Older Adults. Web Intell. 2015, 13, 69–87. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Miller, A.M.; Iris, M. Health Promotion Attitudes and Strategies in Older Adults. Health Educ. Behav. 2002, 29, 249–267. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Bell, C.; Fausset, C.; Farmer, S.; Nguyen, J.; Harley, L.; Fain, W.B. Examining Social Media Use among Older Adults. In Proceedings of the HT’13: 24th ACM Conference on Hypertext and Social Media, Paris, France, 1–3 May 2013; pp. 158–163. [Google Scholar]
- Cotten, S.R.; Ford, G.; Ford, S.; Hale, T.M. Internet Use and Depression among Retired Older Adults in the United States: A Longitudinal Analysis. J. Gerontol. B Psychol. Sci. Soc. Sci. 2015, 69, 763–771. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
- Hashi, I. Case Management Promotion of Social Media for the Elderly Who Live Alone. Prof. Case Manag. 2016, 21, 82–87. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Chopik, W.J. The Benefits of Social Technology Use Among Older Adults Are Mediated by Reduced Loneliness. Cyberpsychol. Behav. Soc. Netw. 2016, 19, 551–556. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Cohall, A.T.; Nye, A.; Moon-Howard, J.; Kukafka, R.; Dye, B.; Vaughan, R.D.; Northridge, M.E. Computer Use, Internet Access, and Online Health Searching among Harlem Adults. Am. J. Health Promot. 2011, 25, 325–333. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Meischke, H.; Eisenberg, M.; Rowe, S.; Cagle, A. Do Older Adults Use the Internet for Information on Heart Attacks? Results from A Survey of Seniors in King County, Washington. Heart Lung 2005, 34, 3–12. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Uchino, B.N. Social Support and Health: A Review of Physiological Processes Potentially Underlying Links to Disease Outcomes. J. Behav. Med. 2006, 29, 377–387. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Gracia, E.; Herrero, J. Internet Use and Self-rated Health among Older People: A National Survey. J. Med. Internet Res. 2009, 11, e49. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Lv, S.J.; Sun, J. Internet Use and Self-rated Health among Chinese Older Adults: The Mediating Role of Social Capital. Geriatr. Gerontol. Int. 2021, 21, 34–38. [Google Scholar]
- Wei, L.; Chen, W. New Urban Migrants’ Social Media Use and Subjective Well-being. Chin. J. Commun. 2015, 1, 114–130. [Google Scholar]
- Tang, J.Y. Research on the Connections between the Use of Social Media and Subjective Well-Being of University Students: A Comparison of Qzone and Sina Weibo. Master’s Thesis, Zhongshan University, Guangzhou, China, 2014. [Google Scholar]
- Acar, A. Culture, Corruption, Suicide, Happiness and Global Social Media Use: A Cross-Cultural Perspective. Int. J. Web Based Communities 2014, 10, 357. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Opalinski, L. Older Adults and the Digital Divide: Assessing Results of a Web-Based Survey. J. Technol. Hum. Serv. 2001, 18, 203–221. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Shapira, N.; Barak, A.; Gal, I. Promoting Older Adults’ Well-being through Internet Training and Use. Aging Ment. Health 2007, 11, 477–484. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Peng, X.Z.; Lv, M.Y.; Lu, M.H. Does Internet Use Make Older People Happier?: Empirical Research from CGSS. Nanjing J. Soc. Sci. 2019, 10, 57–68. [Google Scholar]
- Zhang, Z.T. A Preliminary Study on the Relationship between the Use of WeChat and Subjective Well-being in Urban Elderly: Taking the City of N as an Example. J. Southwest Minzu Univ. Humanit. Soc. Sci. 2019, 40, 141–147. [Google Scholar]
- Cotten, S.R.; Ford, G.; Ford, S.; Hale, T.M. Internet Use and Depression among Older Adults. Comput. Hum. Behav. 2012, 28, 496–499. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Chen, X.L. On the Internet and the Continued Socialization of the Elderly. J. Mass Commun. Mon. 2015, 17, 4–8. [Google Scholar]
- Ge, L.T.; Liu, Y.Y.; Huang, Z.J. The Relationship between the Elderly and the New Media, in the Process of Triple Play. Chin. J. Gerontol. 2017, 37, 3348–3353. [Google Scholar]
- Jin, Y.A.; Liu, W.L.; Zhao, M.H.; Wang, D.H.; Hu, W.B. Short Video APP Use and the Life of Mid-age and Older Adults: An Exploratory Study Based on a Social Survey. Popul. Res. 2021, 45, 31–45. [Google Scholar]
- Nimrod, G. Seniors’ Online Communities: A Quantitative Content Analysis. Gerontologist 2010, 50, 382–392. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed] [Green Version]
- Wu, H. Identification in Virtual Community: Take “Laoxiaohai”, A Portal for the Elderly in Mainland China as An Example. J. Commun. 2013, 20, 84–99, 127–128. [Google Scholar]
- Wu, H. Virtual Community and The Social Participation of Elderly Netizens: A Study on the Portal for the Elderly in Shanghai. J. Res. 2013, 6, 105–117. [Google Scholar]
- Moult, A.; Burroughs, H.; Kingstone, T.; Chew-Graham, C.A. How Older Adults Self-manage Distress-Does the Internet have a Role? A Qualitative Study. BMC Fam. Pract. 2018, 19, 185–193. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Lee, D.; Helal, S.; Anton, S.; de Deugd, S.; Smith, A. Participatory and Persuasive Telehealth. Gerontology 2012, 58, 269–281. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Saleh, J.; Robinson, B.S.; Kugler, N.W.; Illingworth, K.D.; Patel, P.; Saleh, K.J. Effect of Social Media in Health Care and Orthopedic Surgery. Orthopedics 2012, 35, 294–297. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
- Nahm, E.S.; Barker, B.; Resnick, B.; Covington, B.; Magaziner, J.; Brennan, P.F. Effects of A Social Cognitive Theory-Based Hip Fracture Prevention Web Site for Older Adults. Comput. Inform. Nurs. 2010, 28, 371–379. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
- Perkins, E.A.; LaMartin, K.M. The Internet as Social Support for Older Carers of Adults with Intellectual Disabilities. J. Policy Pract. Intellect. Disabil. 2012, 9, 53–62. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Mao, L.P. Investigation and Analysis of Learning Disabilities in the Elderly Under the “Internet +” Environment. Adult Educ. 2018, 38, 57–60. [Google Scholar]
- Chinese General Social Survey. 2017. Available online: http://cnsda.ruc.edu.cn/index.php?r=projects/view&id=94525591 (accessed on 1 October 2020).
- Bao, C.Z. The Developments of the Social Health Scale for the Elderly and Its Norms in Hangzhou, China. Ph.D. Thesis, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China, 2018. [Google Scholar]
- Li, W.Y.; Kou, Y.; Li, Z. Effects of Perceived Filial Behavior Standard and Actual Filial Behavior Level on City Middle-aged Children’s Filial Piety. Sociol. Stud. 2014, 29, 216–240, 245–246. [Google Scholar]
- Feng, L.N. Status and Influential Factors of Health Self-Management of the Elderly in Hebei Areas. Master’s Thesis, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China, 2015. [Google Scholar]
- Wen, Y.; Zong, Z.H.; Shu, X.Y.; Zhou, J.F.; Sun, X.M.; Ru, X.M. Health Status, Health Needs and Provision of Health Services among the Middle-aged and Elderly People: Results from A Survey in 12 Counties, 5 Provinces in Midwestern China. Popul. Res. 2014, 38, 72–86. [Google Scholar]
- Opinions of the State Council on Accelerating the Development of Pension Services. Available online: http://www.gov.cn/zwgk/2013-09/13/content_2487704.htm (accessed on 13 September 2013).
- Hu, H.W.; Yan, Y.; Shi, Y.Y. Practice and Policy Thinking of Chinese Non-Governmental Organizations Participating in Home Care Services. New Horiz. Tianfu 2011, 5, 96–100. [Google Scholar]
- Hong, J.Z.; Huang, F.; Pi, Z.J. Internet Use and Psychological Well-being among Old Adults. J. Cent. China Norm. Univ. (Humanit. Soc. Sci.) 2015, 54, 171–176. [Google Scholar]
- Xie, B. Multimodal Computer-mediated Communication and Social Support among Older Chinese Internet Users. J. Comput. Mediat. Commun. 2008, 13, 728–750. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
- Smith, A. Why Americans Use Social Media; Pew Research Center: Washington, DC, USA, 2011. [Google Scholar]
- Chen, Z.Y.; Guo, F. 2020 National Mental Health Survey Report: Current Status, Trends and Service Demands. In Report on National Mental Health Development in China (2019–2020); Fu, X.L., Zhang, K., Chen, X.F., Chen, Z.Y., Eds.; Social Sciences Academic Press (China): Beijing, China, 2021; pp. 1–33. [Google Scholar]
- De Belvis, A.G.; Avolio, M.; Sicuro, L.; Rosano, A.; Latini, E.; Damiani, G.; Ricciardi, W. Social Relationships and HRQL: A Cross-Sectional Survey among Older Italian Adults. BMC Public Health 2008, 8, 50. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed] [Green Version]
- Joinson, A.N. Looking at, looking up or Keeping up with People?: Motives and Use of Facebook. In Proceedings of the SIGCHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems ACM, Florence, Italy, 5–10 April 2008; pp. 1027–1036. [Google Scholar]
- Sundar, S.S.; Oeldorf-Hirsch, A.; Nussbaum, J.; Behr, R. Retirees on Facebook: Can Online Social Networking Enhance Their Health and Wellness? In Proceedings of the SIGCHI Conference Extended Abstracts on Human Factors in Computing Systems ACM, Vancouver, BC, Canada, 7–12 May 2011; pp. 2287–2292. [Google Scholar]
- Paillard-Borg, S.; Wang, H.X.; Winblad, B.; Fratiglioni, L. Pattern of Participation in Leisure Activities among Older People in Relation to Their Health Conditions and Contextual Factors: A Survey in A Swedish Urban Area. Ageing Soc. 2009, 29, 803–821. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Deng, M.L. Life Review Therapy Intervenes in Research on Self-Identity of the Elderly. Master’s Thesis, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan, China, 2018. [Google Scholar]
Variable | Mean | Std |
---|---|---|
Explained variable | ||
Physical health | 3.48 | 1.25 |
Mental health | 3.75 | 1.01 |
Explanatory variable | ||
Social media use | 3.74 | 1.74 |
Personal characteristics | ||
Gender | 1.50 | 0.5 |
Household registration | 1.41 | 0.49 |
Age | 69.25 | 7.352 |
Social characteristics | ||
Social status | 4.08 | 1.78 |
Family income | 51.22 | 80.17 |
Family size | 2.46 | 1.61 |
Variable | Physical Health | Mental Health | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mean | Std | Mean | Std | Number | Percentage (%) | |
All or almost all | 3.58 | 1.34 | 3.83 | 1.12 | 169 | 13.22 |
Most | 3.78 | 1.17 | 4.02 | 0.94 | 259 | 20.27 |
About half | 3.41 | 1.13 | 3.59 | 1.08 | 86 | 6.73 |
Some | 3.52 | 1.10 | 3.75 | 0.95 | 240 | 18.78 |
None or almost none | 3.41 | 1.29 | 3.69 | 1.00 | 270 | 21.13 |
I have not used any of these devices | 3.14 | 1.32 | 3.55 | 1.03 | 254 | 19.87 |
Total | 3.48 | 1.25 | 3.75 | 1.02 | 1278 | 100.00 |
Variable | Physical Health | Mental Health |
---|---|---|
Model 1 | Model 2 | |
Social media use | −0.061 ** (0.031) | −0.085 *** (0.031) |
Personal characteristics | ||
Gender = 1 | 0.386 *** (0.102) | 0.355 *** (0.103) |
Gender = 2 | 0 b | 0 b |
Household registration = 1 | 0.723 *** (0.112) | 0.471 *** (0.114) |
Household registration = 2 | 0 b | 0 b |
Age | −0.027 *** (0.007) | −0.003 (0.007) |
Social characteristics | ||
Social status | 0.204 *** (0.030) | 0.215 *** (0.031) |
Family income | 0.002 *** (0.001) | 0.003 *** (0.001) |
Family size | 0.034 (0.033) | 0.020 (0.034) |
Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations. |
© 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
Share and Cite
Fu, L.; Xie, Y. The Effects of Social Media Use on the Health of Older Adults: An Empirical Analysis Based on 2017 Chinese General Social Survey. Healthcare 2021, 9, 1143. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare9091143
Fu L, Xie Y. The Effects of Social Media Use on the Health of Older Adults: An Empirical Analysis Based on 2017 Chinese General Social Survey. Healthcare. 2021; 9(9):1143. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare9091143
Chicago/Turabian StyleFu, Liping, and Yu Xie. 2021. "The Effects of Social Media Use on the Health of Older Adults: An Empirical Analysis Based on 2017 Chinese General Social Survey" Healthcare 9, no. 9: 1143. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare9091143