Addictive smartphone use in the elderly: relationship with depression, anxiety and sleep quality

Abstract

Background The aim of the present study was to explore the relationship between addictive smartphone use (ASU) and depressive symptoms, anxiety and sleep quality in elderly adults. Methods The study sample included smartphone users over the age of 65 years. The research data were obtained from social networking sites via a Google survey link. In addition to filling out a sociodemographic data form, the participants were also assessed with Smartphone Addiction Scale (SAS), Geriatric Depression Scale, Beck Anxiety Inventory and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index tools. Results The correlation analysis revealed the SAS score to be positively correlated with depression and anxiety, and negatively correlated with sleep quality. In the regression analysis, depressive symptoms, anxiety level and sleep quality were all found to have an effect on the SAS total score. Furthermore, the SAS score was found to have an effect on depressive symptoms, anxiety and sleep quality. Conclusions Our findings reveal a bidirectional relationship between ASU and depressive, anxiety symptoms and impaired sleep quality in elderly adults. It is important to question smartphone use patterns in people with sleep problems, symptoms of depression or anxiety.

Risks and protection: a qualitative study on the factors for internet addiction among elderly residents in Southwest China communities

“…This phenomenon is closely tied to the widespread adoption of smartphones globally, as they surpass other information and communication technology devices (including desktop computers, laptops, and tablets, etc.) in terms of portability, immediacy, and convenience [ 55 , 56 ]. Consequently, smartphones have become the primary medium for accessing the internet and an integral component of contemporary life [ 55 ].…”

Perceived Overload on Short Video Platforms and Its Influence on Mental Health Among the Elderly: A Moderated Mediation Model

“…First, the Perceived Overload of short video apps for older adults had a significant negative impact on their loneliness and mental health, and these results confirmed that System Feature Overload, information overload, and social overload factors are linked to their negative emotions such as fatigue and frustration and also validated previous findings of the adverse effects of Perceived Overload factors on mental health. 6 , 8 , 29 , 47 , 83 In addition, the loneliness that occurs during the use of short video apps among older adults also exacerbates their mental health problems, thus elucidating the relationship between loneliness and mental health in terms of technological stress. 36 , 38…”

“… 34 Overuse may trigger mental health issues like depression and anxiety. 6 Research shows that short video apps effectively enhance older adults’ quality of life and mental health. 35 However, the perceived overload and negative mental health impacts should also be a concern.…”

“…1 For older adults, the use of smartphones and short videos has benefits such as improving their social connections, obtaining social support from others, and slowing down neurological decline, 2 , 4 but overuse and obsession will have a negative impact on their physiological and psychological health and may even cause mental health problems such as anxiety and depression. 5 , 6 In the post-epidemic era, the problem of short video addiction among Chinese older adults has become increasingly prominent and has attracted widespread attention. 7 …”

“…1 For older adults, the use of smartphones and short videos has benefits such as improving their social connections, obtaining social support from others, and slowing down neurological decline, 2,4 but overuse and obsession will have a negative impact on their physiological and psychological health and may even cause mental health problems such as anxiety and depression. 5,6 In the post-epidemic era, the problem of short video addiction among Chinese older adults has become increasingly prominent and has attracted widespread attention. 7 In recent years, terms such as Information Cocoons, Perceived Overload, and digital addiction have been prominent in the research literature on smartphones and short videos for older adults, [8][9][10] suggesting that research related to information technology has permeated the field of gerontological research.…”