Using Skype to Beat the Blues: Longitudinal Data from a National Representative Sample

Abstract

ObjectivesThis study aimed to determine whether use of certain types of online communication technology is associated with subsequent depressive symptoms. DesignNationally representative, population-based prospective cohort. SettingData were obtained from the 2012 and 2014 waves of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS). Participants1,424 community-residing older adults (mean age, 64.8) in the United States. MeasurementsWe examined associations between use of four communication technologies (email, social networks, video chat, and instant messaging) in 2012 and depressive symptoms (eight-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale) at two-year follow-up. Results564 participants (39.6%) did not use any communication technologies, 314 (22.1%) used email only, and 255 (17.9%) used video chat (e.g., Skype). Compared to non-users (13.1%, 95% CI: 9.5-16.7%) or those who used only email (14.3%, 95% CI: 10.1-18.5%), users of video chat had approximately half the probability of depressive symptoms (6.9%, 95% CI: 3.5-10.3%, Wald Chi2 test, Chi2(1)=13.82, p < 0.001; 7.6%, 95% CI: 3.6-11.6, Wald Chi2 test, Chi2(1)=13.56, p < 0.001). Use of email, social media, and instant messaging were not associated with a lower risk of depression. ConclusionsOlder adults who use video chat such as Skype, but not other common communication technologies, have a lower risk of developing depression.