Impact of Internet Use on Mental Health among Elderly Individuals: A Difference-in-Differences Study Based on 2016–2018 CFPS Data

Zhang, Huan; Wang, Hongyang; Yan, Huiyu; Wang, Xiaoyu

doi:10.3390/ijerph19010101

Cited by 38 publications

(31 citation statements)

References 47 publications

(58 reference statements)

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“…The results show that, under the premise of including control variables, Internet use has a significant effect on the physical health of the older people, which is consistent with some existing research results (11,22,23,26). In terms of controlled variables, the physical health of the older people decreased significantly.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 89%

The effect and mechanism of Internet use on the physical health of the older people—Empirical analysis based on CFPS

Guo

Li²,

Li³

et al. 2022

Front. Public Health

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The use of the Internet has a promoting effect on the physical health of the older people. However, previous studies are mostly focused on the perspective of the overall population, or limited to the direct effects, ignoring the exploration of the mechanism of action and the perspective of the older people. Based on the data of the China Family Panel Survey (CFPS) in 2014, 2016, 2018, and 2020, this study found that the use of the Internet has a significant effect on the physical health of the older people, especially among the population groups of females, rural residents, and those living in central and western regions of China. In addition, this study also found that the use of the Internet by the older people can increase their exercise frequency, thereby improving their physical health. Therefore, to promote active aging, this study proposes to further increase the popularity of the Internet among the older people, encourage the introduction of age-appropriate Internet systems and sports facilities, create an online fitness platform for the older people, and promote scientific fitness programs for them.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 89%

The effect and mechanism of Internet use on the physical health of the older people—Empirical analysis based on CFPS

Guo

Li²,

Li³

et al. 2022

Front. Public Health

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show abstract

“…This may be due to the rapid development of the Internet in China; Internet technology has changed from rapid development to high-quality development; instead of being satisfied with low level material enjoyment, users are more interested in the Internet’s spiritual impact in their lives [ 41 , 42 ]. In particular, in the modern environment with high pressures of life and work, mobile Internet allows people to read, play, and socialize anytime and anywhere, breaking through many limitations of time and space [ 43 , 44 , 45 ]. This greatly enriches people’s mental lives, thus enhancing their mental health.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Associations between Mobile Internet Use and Self-Rated and Mental Health of the Chinese Population: Evidence from China Family Panel Studies 2020

Ding

Zhang

Xiong

2022

Behavioral Sciences

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With societal and technological developments, mobile Internet has become the most popular and widespread means to use the Internet in China. Thus, exploring the relationship between mobile Internet use and the self-rated health and mental health of the Chinese population is of great importance. This study empirically examined the impact of mobile Internet use on residents’ health using data from the China Family Panel Studies 2020 and conducted a heterogeneity analysis. The results revealed a significant negative association between mobile Internet use and the self-rated health of the population, but a significant positive association was found relative to their mental health. The results of this analysis passed a robustness test. The results of the heterogeneity analysis showed that mobile Internet use had a more significant association with the health of residents with secondary school education and university education compared to those with primary school education or below and graduate education. Furthermore, this study addresses the endogeneity problem using the propensity-score matching model, which is shown to be better at eliminating sample selectivity bias. If endogeneity is not addressed, the negative association with mobile Internet use on residents’ self-rated health will be underestimated and its positive association with their mental health will be overestimated. The Chinese government should issue guidelines on the duration of Internet use, strictly regulate exaggerated and harmful content on mobile network platforms, and strengthen people’s online skills through training to improve their digital literacy, especially for rural populations.

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“…Outcome variable: middle-aged and older adults' mental health The main outcome variable in this paper is the mental health of middle-aged and older adults in rural China. Following existing studies [43,50], the mental health index is derived from the 6-item short form of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies of Depression (CES-D) in the CFPS. (CES-D questions: 1.…”

Section: Variables and Descriptive Statisticsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Impact of Natural Disasters on Mental Health: A Cross-Sectional Study Based on the 2014 China Family Panel Survey

Zhang

Dai

2022

IJERPH

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Mental health problems are a leading cause of disability in both developed and developing countries, and the consequences of mental health disorders for individuals, families, and society as a whole could be severe and costly. To supplement relevant research and provide insightful policy suggestions to families, government and societies, this study investigates the nexus between natural disasters and mental health for middle-aged and older adults in rural China. Based on data of 8721 observations from the 2014 China Family Panel Studies, we estimate the effects of natural disasters on mental health using ordinary least squares and propensity score matching. Our findings suggest that natural disasters have a significant negative effect on middle-aged and older adults’ mental health in the case of rural China. This effect is heterogeneous depending on individuals’ education level and their agricultural production status. Finally, individuals’ happiness and life satisfaction are shown to be the potential mechanism through which the effect of natural disasters on mental health operates.

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Impact of Internet Use on Mental Health among Elderly Individuals: A Difference-in-Differences Study Based on 2016–2018 CFPS Data

Cited by 38 publications

References 47 publications

The effect and mechanism of Internet use on the physical health of the older people—Empirical analysis based on CFPS

The effect and mechanism of Internet use on the physical health of the older people—Empirical analysis based on CFPS

Associations between Mobile Internet Use and Self-Rated and Mental Health of the Chinese Population: Evidence from China Family Panel Studies 2020

Impact of Natural Disasters on Mental Health: A Cross-Sectional Study Based on the 2014 China Family Panel Survey

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