How Does the Internet Use Shape the Age Identity among Chinese Older Adults?

Ke Shen, Fudan University
Huilin Sun, Fudan University

Based on the panel data from 2018 and 2020 waves of China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey, the study employs the fixed-effects models to examine whether and how Internet use influences age identity of older adults. The results show that Internet use contributes to a younger age identity measured by perceived old age, felt age, or appearance age. The benefits of Internet use vary by the frequency and purpose of use. Daily users hold a much younger age identity than non-users. Online communication and entertainment are beneficial for age identity, while no such effect is observed for online life services. We further reveal that Internet use enables older adults to improve participation in offline social activities, to promote their social adaptation, and also to reduce the likelihood of feeling worthless, thus leading to a positive perception of aging. Moreover, the benefits of Internet use are more pronounced for female, younger, urban, and better-educated older adults. Our study has established the Internet as a valuable resource for successful aging. In the process of constructing Digital China, it is crucial to bridge the digital divide by designing age-friendly digital products and also to enhance older adults’ digital literacy.

Keywords: Population Ageing, Longitudinal studies , Inequality, Disadvantage and Discrimination

See paper.