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<p>With digitalization accelerating, internet use (IU) has become essential in later life, yet its complex impact on depression across subjective socioeconomic status (SSS) remains underexplored. Using the 2022 China Family Panel Studies dataset, this study investigates how IU affects depression among older adults. Results show that IU breadth is negatively and linearly associated with depression (B = -0.064, <i>p</i> &lt; .001), while IU intensity has a nonlinear relationship (EDF = 2.50, <i>p</i> &lt; .001). Further analysis revealed that the nonlinear effect of IU intensity on depression was stronger among older adults with lower SSS (Lower SSS: EDF = 2.58, <i>p</i>&lt;.001; Higher SSS: B= -0.0003, <i>p</i>=.06) whereas IU breadth was more negatively associated with depression for higher-SSS participants (Lower SSS: B = − 0.053, <i>p</i> &lt; .01; Higher SSS: B =-0.067, <i>p</i>&lt;.001). These findings suggest that the association between IU and depression varies by dimensions of IU and SSS, and provide partial support for the Goldilocks hypothesis. The study recommends tailored interventions for older adults with lower SSS, including digital literacy support and promoting offline social engagement to ensure appropriate and effective Internet usage.</p>

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Who gains more? subjective socio-economic status in the impact of internet use on older adults’ depression

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年5月7日

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  • Liangjie Fan

摘要

With digitalization accelerating, internet use (IU) has become essential in later life, yet its complex impact on depression across subjective socioeconomic status (SSS) remains underexplored. Using the 2022 China Family Panel Studies dataset, this study investigates how IU affects depression among older adults. Results show that IU breadth is negatively and linearly associated with depression (B = -0.064, p < .001), while IU intensity has a nonlinear relationship (EDF = 2.50, p < .001). Further analysis revealed that the nonlinear effect of IU intensity on depression was stronger among older adults with lower SSS (Lower SSS: EDF = 2.58, p<.001; Higher SSS: B= -0.0003, p=.06) whereas IU breadth was more negatively associated with depression for higher-SSS participants (Lower SSS: B = − 0.053, p < .01; Higher SSS: B =-0.067, p<.001). These findings suggest that the association between IU and depression varies by dimensions of IU and SSS, and provide partial support for the Goldilocks hypothesis. The study recommends tailored interventions for older adults with lower SSS, including digital literacy support and promoting offline social engagement to ensure appropriate and effective Internet usage.