Using Skype to Beat the Blues: Longitudinal Data from a National Representative Sample

15 Smartphone Apps for Older Adults to Use While in Isolation During the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…OAs who use video chat apps, including FaceTime and Skype, are estimated to decrease their symptoms of depression by half. 16 In a survey of 1400 OAs, those who use video chats were found to have lowered probability of depression symptoms, whereas depression rates among OAs who use instant messaging and social media networks were similar to OAs who do not use any communication technology. 16 Skype is the oldest video chat app that offers the widest device support, including for Android, iOS, Windows Phone, and Blackberry.…”

Interdisciplinary and Collaborative Approaches Needed to Determine Impact of COVID-19 on Older Adults and Aging: CAG/ACG andCJA/RCVJoint Statement

“…The increased reliance on virtual or internet-based services may be a barrier, however. Despite evidence that older adults who use video chat technology have lower rates of depression (Teo, Markwardt, & Hinton, 2019), older adults are also most likely to be without internet access (Statistics Canada, 2019) or the knowledge, skills, and confidence necessary to use emerging technologies effectively, particularly if they are experiencing cognitive decline (Wild et al, 2012). This relative lack of technological efficacy may also contribute to the susceptibility to financial scams and fraud, which have increased since the pandemic, further victimizing those who are lonely and socially isolated (Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, 2020).…”

Learning R Programming Language With Psi Chi

“…Second, videobased (i.e., Marco Polo) and more professional (i.e., LinkedIn) SNS demon strated the strongest links to improved wellbeing. Indeed, the use of videography may promote feel ings of social connection and improved wellbeing beyond typical text and stillframe images through a more authentic social experience (Teo et al, 2019). Furthermore, Marco Polo delivers a message to a specific recipient rather than a post to a general audience, which may foster additional improved wellbeing and limit unhealthy social comparisons.…”

“…Even less research has been conducted to date on the wellbeing of users of other professional SNS such as LinkedIn or those that are more videobased such as Marco Polo. However, one study found a clear reduction in depressive symp tomology among those who used video chat SNS compared to email, other social media, and instant messaging at a twoyear followup (Teo, Markwardt, & Hinton, 2019). The researchers argued that this more "realtime" video interaction on SNS fosters a greater sense of connection with others and cor responding health benefits.…”