Social Networking Site Usage and Its Impact on Depressive Symptoms among Older Men and Women in South Korea.

Gyeong-Suk Jeon,Kwang-Sim Jang,Kyung-Won Choi

doi:10.3390/ijerph17082670

Abstract

Background: We examined the rate of social networking site (SNS) usage and the relationship between SNS usage and depressive symptoms among older men and women in South Korea. Methods: The data were obtained from the Living Profiles of Older People Survey (LPOPS), which comprises a nationally representative sample of non-institutionalized Korean older adults living in the community. A total of 10,073 older persons (4286 men and 5787 women) were included in the analysis. Results: A total of 26.0% of the total study population reported to use social network sites. Of the men and women, 32.6 and 21.1%, respectively, used SNS. A higher educational level and higher equivalent household income, lower number of chronic illnesses, no limitation in daily activities, living with others, and having good relationships with friends and neighbors were associated with higher SNS usage among older men and women. SNS usage was significantly associated with reduced depression scores in older men, but not in women. Conclusions: The difference in SNS usage between older men and women might be partially explained by differential exposure to digital technologies and disadvantages in education and economic opportunities. Education programs for digitalization and opportunities to engage with technology need to be provided.

Highlights

With the global elderly population rapidly increasing and the expected average life span continuing to rise, the topic of healthy and active aging is gaining attention
This study aimed to investigate the characteristics of social networking site (SNS) users and the effect of SNS usage on depressive symptoms among older men and women to address these research gaps, using a nationally representative sample of older adults in South Korea
This study examined the characteristics of SNS users and the impact of SNS use on depressive symptoms among older men and women in South Korea

Summary

Introduction

With the global elderly population rapidly increasing and the expected average life span continuing to rise, the topic of healthy and active aging is gaining attention. Emotional support from social networks can help keep older adults functionally capable [1], while the absence of social participation and social connections increases the sense of loneliness, along with the risk of depression and functional decline in the older people [2,3,4]. Evidence suggests that the use of the Internet and social networking sites (SNSs, known as “social media”) among older adults increases the frequency of social contact, enhances social interaction, and helps cope with stress and depression [5,6]. A higher educational level and higher equivalent household income, lower number of chronic illnesses, no limitation in daily activities, living with others, and having good relationships with friends and neighbors were associated with higher SNS usage among older men and women. Education programs for digitalization and opportunities to engage with technology need to be provided

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