What question did this study set out to answer?

This study aims to investigate the relationship between the digital divide and depressive symptoms in older adults, focusing on bonding social capital's mediating role.

June 20, 2026Open Access

From digital access to social connectedness: the digital divide, bonding social capital, and depressive symptoms among older adults in China

Key Points

This study aims to investigate the relationship between the digital divide and depressive symptoms in older adults, focusing on bonding social capital's mediating role.
Utilized three waves of data from the China Family Panel Studies (2018–2022).
Employed two-way fixed effects models and mediation analyses to assess the associations.
Conducted robustness checks using propensity score matching and sample restriction adjustments.
Internet access was linked to significantly lower depressive symptoms (p < 0.05).
Entertainment-oriented, instrument-oriented, and mixed Internet use associated with reduced depressive symptoms (all p < 0.05).
Bonding social capital mediated the relationship with proportions ranging from 5.95% to 26.67%.

Abstract

Introduction As population aging and digital transformation continue simultaneously in China, the digital divide among older adults has become an increasingly important social issue. This study examines the associations between multiple dimensions of the digital divide and depressive symptoms among older adults, as well as the potential role of bonding social capital. Methods Drawing on three waves of data from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS, 2018–2022), this study employs two-way fixed effects models and mediation analyses to examine the relationships between digital access, digital usage, digital outcomes, and depressive symptoms among older adults. Robustness checks were further conducted using propensity score matching (PSM), sample restriction adjustments, and replacement of the dependent variable. Results Internet access was significantly associated with lower levels of depressive symptoms among older adults (p 0.05). Compared with non-Internet users, entertainment-oriented, instrument-oriented, and mixed Internet use were all significantly associated with lower depressive symptoms (all p 0.05). Digital outcomes were also negatively associated with depressive symptoms (p 0.01). Bonding social capital showed significant indirect pathways linking all dimensions of the digital divide and depressive symptoms, with mediating proportions ranging from 5.95% to 26.67%. Period heterogeneity analyses further indicated that the associations remained generally stable before and during the COVID-19 period, although mixed Internet use exhibited a significant structural difference across periods (p = 0.036). Discussion The findings suggest that the digital divide is closely associated with the mental well-being of older adults, while bonding social capital constitutes an important social pathway linking digital engagement and psychological health. Policy efforts should move beyond technological access toward broader digital empowerment and the construction of a more inclusive digital society for aging populations.

KI fragen

Bookmark

View Full Paper