The impact of internet use on the subjective well-being of older adults: The mediating role of mental health

by Jiangwei Hu, Chunyun Tan

Background

As internet use rises among older adults, the internet has become a vital tool for maintaining social ties and enhancing life satisfaction. Prior research suggests that online engagement may be linked to subjective well-being (SWB) by offering emotional support and opportunities for participation. However, the psychological pathways underlying this association—such as psychological anxiety, social loneliness, and goal deficiency (reduced sense of purpose)—remain underexplored. To address this gap, this study examines how these psychological factors are associated with internet use and older adults’ SWB in a cross-sectional context.

Methods

Drawing on cross-sectional data from the 2021 Chinese General Social Survey (CGSS), this study analyzed a sample of 825 Chinese adults aged 60 years and above. A structural equation modeling (SEM) approach was used to examine the associations among internet use, three psychological variables (psychological anxiety, social loneliness, and goal deficiency), and SWB. Control variables included age, gender, education level, and place of residence.

Results

The direct association between internet use and SWB was non-significant. However, internet use was associated with lower psychological anxiety, lower social loneliness, and lower goal deficiency, and the overall indirect association with SWB was positive. Among the mediators, psychological anxiety accounted for the largest share of the indirect association, goal deficiency contributed modestly, and the loneliness pathway was not statistically significant. The total association between internet use and SWB remained positive when indirect paths were considered.

Conclusion

The evidence indicates that, among older adults, digital engagement is associated with SWB chiefly via mental-health pathways—particularly through its associations with lower anxiety and reduced goal deficiency—rather than through a direct association. These findings suggest that policy and practice may complement access and digital-literacy initiatives with supports that reduce anxiety and strengthen purpose and competence (e.g., step-by-step onboarding, simplified interfaces, peer mentoring) as well as goal-oriented uses such as health self-management and community participation. Since the loneliness-mediated route was not supported, programs should emphasize emotionally meaningful online connections and relationship quality rather than merely increasing contact volume.