Measuring Internet Use Profiles and Multiple Dimensions of Subjective Well-Being in Middle-Aged and Older Adults: A Nationwide Survey from China

Huizhi Gao, Peking University
Tao Liu, Peking University

In the context of an aging society, this study drew on classical theories and used nationwide survey data to explore the impact of Internet usage profiles on the subjective well-being of middle-aged and older adults, and to examine the role of social engagement in this process through a mediation model. It was found that an increase in the duration of Internet use leads to a significant reduction in stress and an increase in life satisfaction. Video-based internet use type was found to significantly reduce stress for middle-aged and older adults compared to the light-use type, while excessive Internet use significantly increased the level of negative emotions. Mediation analyses further indicated that Internet use significantly reduces depression levels, with social participation playing a full mediating role. Increased duration spent on the Internet significantly increases depression and life satisfaction entirely through direct effects, and enriched types of Internet use have significant direct negative effects on both depression and stress. Given the increasing trend of intergenerational family separation in China, this study provides important insights into the effects of Internet use on subdimensions of subjective well-being and accordingly suggests strategies to promote subjective well-being for middle-aged and older adults.

Keywords: Population Ageing, Mixed methods research, Population and Development

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