Using Social Media May Help Prevent Depression in Older People

Researchers Examine the Relationship Between Social Media Use and Depression Symptoms

Researchers have examined the relationship between social media use and symptoms of depression, particularly among older people.

Study Finds Positive Association Between Social Media Use and Reduced Depression Symptoms

A team of researchers led by Qi Yanling, a professor at Nankai University in Tianjin, analysed data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study, an ongoing panel survey that focuses on Chinese residents aged 45 and older.

In studies conducted in 2018 and again in 2020, researchers examined the relationship between social media use and symptoms of depression. They explored associations between the baseline social media activities of 9,121 respondents who did not report depressive symptoms in 2018, and the social media activities and depressive symptoms they reported over the following two years.

Among respondents who initially reported no symptoms of depression, engaging in social media activities was associated with a 24% lower likelihood of developing such symptoms.

Social Media Use Linked to Reduced Depression Symptoms Among Those with Existing Symptoms

Among those who had reported symptoms in 2018, respondents who engaged in three or more of the seven measured social media activities – chatting, reading the news, watching videos, playing games, mobile payments, using WeChat, and posting WeChat moments – over the two-year period were 1.24 times more likely to revert to a non-depressive state compared to those who did not use social media.

Furthermore, individuals who were constantly active on social media, engaging in social media activities in 2018 and 2020, were 1.36 times more likely to experience a positive shift.

Implications for Public Health

Qi noted that due to China’s rapidly ageing society, the problem of depression among elderly people will become more prominent. She suggested that special attention be paid to vulnerable groups, especially elderly people, women, and low-income and rural residents.

Conclusion

The study suggests that social media use may be a valuable tool in preventing or reducing depression symptoms among middle-aged and elderly people. As the global population ages, it is essential to explore innovative ways to promote mental health and well-being among older adults.

FAQs

Q: What was the purpose of the study?
A: The study aimed to examine the relationship between social media use and symptoms of depression among middle-aged and elderly people.

Q: What were the findings of the study?
A: The study found that social media use was associated with a lower likelihood of developing depression symptoms among those who initially reported no symptoms, and a higher likelihood of reverting to a non-depressive state among those who reported symptoms.

Q: What are the implications of the study?
A: The study suggests that social media use may be a valuable tool in preventing or reducing depression symptoms among middle-aged and elderly people, and highlights the need for special attention to vulnerable groups, such as elderly people, women, and low-income and rural residents.