Algorithm-associated digital addiction among older adults: mechanisms and public health implications for healthy aging

Key Points

• Digital use is shifting towards immersive dependence, adversely affecting older adults' engagement and well-being.
• Key mechanisms of digital addiction include algorithmic drive and behavioral reinforcement, which reinforce negative usage patterns.
• The described analytical framework connects psychological compensation and structural constraints to outcomes of increased digital dependency.
• The findings indicate a significant public health concern, highlighting the need for coordinated digital literacy and algorithm governance initiatives.