Shared Destiny in the Digital Era: Sensation Seeking, Loneliness, and Excessive Internet Use among Middle-Aged and Older Adults in Mainland China

Abstract

With digital infrastructures becoming the foundation of modern life and a shared lifestyle, the internet has become a popular leisure tool for middle-aged and elderly individuals. However, inappropriate use of the internet can jeopardize their health and quality of life, and excessive internet use by middle-aged and older adults is a cause for concern. This study found that middle-aged and older adults are vulnerable to excessive internet use. One predictor of excessive use is loneliness, but its effect is relatively limited. It is a mediating variable rather than the essential cause of excessive internet use by middle-aged and older adults. The effect of sensation seeking is a strong predictor of middle-aged and older adults’ excessive internet use, which means they have a strong desire to use the internet to satisfy their emotional needs, thus, resulting in excessive internet use. The social nature of digital infrastructure in a relational framework and the impact of the internet on different populations are likely more complex than we imagine and have the potential to cause many unintended effects.

Loneliness among elderly people as a public health threat

“…Loneliness causes sensory deprivation and emotional starvation [7], which translate into a subjective feeling of discomfort and distress, as well as into objective behavioral changes, such as modified indoor and outdoor mobility [8]. The intensity of loneliness can be objectively measured and compared across individuals using objective tools, such as the university of california Los Angeles Loneliness Scale (uLS-8) [9].…”

“…The perceived loneliness of elderly people who used mobile Internet can be decreased by a third compared to those who do not [28]. unfortunately, although the average level of digital literacy among the elderly is still low [29], loneliness increases the risks posed by the Internet [7], such as mobile phone addiction, including sleep disturbances and depression [30]. Loneliness and depression are among the main risks of lower physical activity [22], and obesity is a problem among those older people who use food as a means of escape from stressful states and situations [31].…”

Relationship between loneliness and internet addiction: a meta-analysis

“…(2020) [ 110 ] 1047 0.285 44.85 adolescent secondary schools East Asia CIAS longitudinal study before Turan, N.(2020) [ 88 ] 160 −0.154 6.9 adult university West Asia IAT-20 cross-sectional study before Wongpakaran, N.(2021) [ 111 ] 318 0.319 43 adult university Southeast Asia IAT-20 cross-sectional study before Yang, Y. (2022) [ 112 ] 241 0.209 51 adult secondary schools East Asia CIAS cross-sectional study after Yang, H.(2022) [ 35 ] 446 0.152 48.9 adult university East Asia CIAS cross-sectional study after Yao, M.Z. (2014) [ 1 ] 361 0.36 51.7 adult university East Asia IA...…”

“…Teenagers who feel lonely are more likely to alleviate their depression and stress through the Internet, leading to Internet addiction [ 34 ]. There are also studies showing that both middle-aged and elderly people are inclined to excessive Internet use [ 35 ].…”