Researchers have discovered an interesting relationship between internet-based social engagement and the prevalence of anxiety and depression in older adults.
Study Finding Explained
The researchers found that different forms of online social engagement affected incidences of anxiety and depression differently. For example, while looking at photos of family members was not related to depression or anxiety, looking at photos of non-family members resulted in higher rates of anxiety.Anxiety was measured using the Beck Anxiety Inventory scale and depression using the Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale. Sociodemographic information, including gender, race, ethnicity, income, and highest level of education was also collected.
- Looking at photos of family members (78 percent reported “yes”)
- Looking at photos of people they care about who are not family (70 percent reported “yes”)
- Looking at people’s status updates (60 percent reported “yes”)
- Clicking on links shared by others (50 percent reported “yes”)
- Asking a question to others or answering questions for others (33 percent reported “yes”)
- Checking on a person who was suddenly absent from an online community or group (12 percent reported “yes”)
Previous Research
Other studies indicate that anxiety and depression have become increasingly common in the older population. Some research suggests that rates of depression among older adults around the world may be as high as 40 percent and it is estimated that around 14 to 17 percent of older adults have an anxiety disorder.Prior research has consistently shown a positive link between social connection and decreased risk of anxiety and depression. However, it appears that using the internet as a primary form of social connection (as opposed to face-to-face socialization) muddies the water a bit. For example, while some studies have found a link between the use of social networking sites and depression, other studies have found no such link. These varied results could be due to many factors, including different purposes of use (i.e., active engagement versus passive engagement) and the older person’s comfort level with using technology.
Other past research focusing on social media use and anxiety suggests that rates of anxiety are lower among people who use it as a way to meaningfully connect with others and to seek out humor.
“If you use online social engagement as a replacement for in-person relational contact, then you’re likely in trouble. If you use online social media as a way to stay connected with people you have come to care about, people you know in real life, or people you have come to know online, then it can prove helpful. So, the authors of this study explain that context matters, and that whether it’s good or bad depends on context.”
Risk Factors in Older Adults
Social isolation and loneliness are key risk factors for poor mental health in older people. These particular risk factors could potentially be mitigated through the use of online social media platforms.
“We know that we, as humans, are meant for each other. We feel better when we see and hear words of affirmation from people around us. We feel worse when there’s no one around us to affirm our worth. As such, isolation is strongly correlated with both depression and anxiety,” confirms Mr. Nassar.
Using Online Socialization for Good
Previous research states that social media has the power to support the mental and emotional health of older adults by keeping them connected to family and friends.“That’s where online social engagement comes in. Use it to find the course offerings at your local senior center, and then stay in touch with the people you met in your yoga class online. If you do this, you’re going a long way to putting protective factors in place to ward off both depression and anxiety.”
