Objective:

To examine the associations between multiple dimensions of the digital divide and depressive symptoms among older adults, emphasizing the potential role of bonding social capital as a mediating factor.

Approach:

Key Findings:

• Internet access is significantly associated with lower levels of depressive symptoms among older adults (p < 0.05).
• Entertainment-oriented, instrument-oriented, and mixed Internet use are all significantly associated with lower depressive symptoms compared to non-Internet users (all p < 0.05).
• Digital outcomes are negatively associated with depressive symptoms (p < 0.01).
• Bonding social capital shows significant indirect pathways linking all dimensions of the digital divide and depressive symptoms, with mediating proportions ranging from 5.95% to 26.67%.
• Associations remained stable before and during the COVID-19 period, with mixed Internet use showing significant structural differences across periods (p = 0.036).

Interpretation:

The digital divide is closely associated with the mental well-being of older adults, with bonding social capital serving as an important social pathway linking digital engagement and psychological health.

Limitations:

• Limited examination of the digital divide from multidimensional perspectives of digital access, usage, and outcomes, which may affect the comprehensiveness of the findings.
• Insufficient consideration of underlying social mechanisms linking digital technologies and mental health, potentially overlooking critical factors.
• Lack of attention to dynamic changes in the relationship between the digital divide and depressive symptoms amid rapid digital development, which may limit the applicability of the results.

Conclusion:

The study highlights the importance of addressing digital disparities to improve mental health outcomes among older adults in China, suggesting that policy efforts should focus on enhancing digital inclusion and social capital.

Attribution Notice

This content is an AI-generated, fully rewritten summary based on a published scholarly article. It does not reproduce the original text and is not a substitute for the original publication. Readers are encouraged to consult the source for full context, data, and methodology.