SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL IMPACTS OF INTERNET USE ON OLDER ADULTS

Abstract

The Internet has become a means by which older adults can maintain offline relationships with family and friends, and develop new social networks. Social engagement plays a important role in later life. Staying socially active can help older adults maintain physical and cognitive health. Social capital is also important for older adults‘ mental health and wellbeing. This study examined whether older adults’ online social activities are associated with some social and emotional factors. A total of 82 participants were recruited from two community seniors’ centres in Canada. The results of a series of hierarchical regression analyses indicated that older adults’ online social activities were positively related to bridging social capital, belongingness and self-esteem, and negatively associated with the feeling of loneliness. The result of a canonical correlation analysis revealed that meeting new people online and great amount of Internet use is predictive of online bridging social capital.