Internet use and psychological wellbeing among older adults in England: a difference-in-differences analysis over the COVID-19 pandemic

Background Longitudinal evidence on how Internet use affects the psychological wellbeing of older adults has been mixed. As policymakers invest in efforts to reduce the digital divide, it is important to have robust evidence on whether encouraging Internet use among older adults is beneficial, or potentially detrimental, to their wellbeing. Methods We observe depressive symptoms and loneliness of adults aged 50 + in the nationally representative English Longitudinal Study of Ageing, from before (2018/19) to during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic (June/July and November/December 2020). Our quasi-experimental difference-in-differences strategy compares within-individual wellbeing changes between older adults who desired to use the Internet more but experienced barriers including lack of skills, access, and equipment, with regular Internet users who did not desire to use the Internet more. To reduce selection bias, we match both groups on demographic and socioeconomic characteristics that are predictive of Internet use. We assume that in the absence of COVID-19 - a period of increased reliance on the Internet - the wellbeing trajectories of both groups would have followed a common trend. Results Compared with matched controls (N = 2983), participants reporting barriers to Internet use (N = 802) experienced a greater increase in the likelihood of depressive symptoms from before to during the pandemic, but not worse loneliness levels. This effect was stronger for women, those aged above 65 years, and those from lower-income households. Conclusions Besides enabling access to digital services, efforts to ensure older adults continue to be engaged members of an increasingly digital society could deliver returns in terms of a buffer against psychological distress.

Automated summary

Longitudinal evidence on the impact of Internet use on the psychological wellbeing of older adults has been inconsistent. This study examines depressive symptoms and loneliness among adults aged 50+ during the COVID-19 pandemic, comparing those who experienced barriers to Internet use with regular Internet users. The results suggest that older adults with barriers to Internet use are more likely to experience depressive symptoms, particularly women, those aged above 65 years, and those from lower-income households. However, no significant differences were found in loneliness levels. Efforts to support older adults in engaging with the digital society could help alleviate psychological distress.