Smartphone proficiency and use, loneliness, and ego integrity: an examination of older adult smartphone users in South Korea

This study examined the relationship between smartphones and ego integrity of older adults in South Korea. Retiree and older adult smartphone users were recruited from senior centres and community centres in the Seoul megalopolitan area and 264 of them completed a cross-sectional survey that contained questions assessing their smartphone proficiency, smartphone use, loneliness, and ego integrity. Smartphone use was positively related to higher ego integrity, but smartphone proficiency was not. Loneliness was negatively related to ego integrity. Path analysis revealed that the relationships between smartphone use and ego integrity were moderated by loneliness. The potential of smartphones to improve older adults' psychological health needs to be further explored and the findings should be incorporated into care practices and social policies.

Automated summary

The study found a positive relationship between smartphone use and ego integrity in older adults, while loneliness was negatively related to ego integrity. The relationship between smartphone use and ego integrity was found to be moderated by loneliness.