Amid countless articles saying that internet usage prompts feelings of depression, anxiety or envy, one report has found that, for the over 50s at least, it actually fosters better mental wellbeing.
A team of researchers from the University of Hong Kong studied the internet usage of some 87,500 people across 23 countries (including the UK), to contrast it with their mental wellbeing.
The researchers discovered fewer symptoms of depression, greater life satisfaction and better all-round health among those who regularly used the internet for shopping, to search for information, and to send and receive emails.
Responders in England who used the internet reported fewer depressive symptoms versus their offline peers.
Explaining these results, researchers noted that people over 50 who used the internet likely kept in better contact with friends and family members. They were also better equipped to research health problems themselves and be much more self-sufficient.
In fact, with around a quarter of Brits aged 50 or over saying they “often or always” felt lonely, the connectivity that the internet can provide may well be vital. It was this knowledge that prompted the previous UK government to call on internet providers to offer so-called ‘social tariffs’ to those who would benefit from personal connectivity but couldn’t afford home broadband. Now, more than 30 such tariffs are available nationwide.
The University of Hong Kong report concluded that the internet doesn’t just overcome spatial barriers (by easily connecting people on opposite sides of the world), it also does so for social barriers too.
“Internet use can facilitate connections with family and friends and expand social networks among middle-aged and older adults,” the authors noted.
“Promoting such social interaction can reduce their loneliness and social isolation as well as enhance their sense of belonging and self-esteem, which may contribute to better mental health.”
