Cited by 37Impact of Technology on AdolescentsTechnology Use by Older AdultsMental Health via Writing

Active and passive social media use are differentially related to depressive symptoms in older adults

Lewin, Kaitlin M., Meshi, Dar, Schuster, Amy M., Cotten, Shelia R.·2023·Aging & Mental Health

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: Previous research on social media use (SMU) and mental health has focused on younger individuals. For example, in young adults active SMU (e.g. posting content) has been related to decreased depressive symptoms, whereas passive SMU (e.g. browsing content) has been related to increased depressive symptoms. These relationships have not yet been investigated in older adults, however, even though SMU and poor mental health are common. METHODS: We collected data from adults aged 65 years and older, and categorized SMU into active and passive dimensions with a principal component analysis. Next, we conducted t-tests and logistic regressions to assess whether older adults' SMU was associated with depressive symptoms. RESULTS: odds for depressive symptoms. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that the relationships between active and passive SMU and depressive symptoms in older adults are different from previous literature focusing on younger individuals. We theorize that these findings may be due to older adults' engaging in fewer social comparisons overall, and hence experiencing fewer negative feelings while passively viewing others' social media posts.

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Crossref · 10.1080/13607863.2022.2068133

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Authors
Lewin, K. M., Meshi, D., Schuster, A. M., & Cotten, S. R.
Affiliations
  • Michigan State University (US)
  • Clemson University (US)
Corresponding author
Lewin, Kaitlin M.
Venue
Aging & Mental Health
Published
2022-04-26
Volume
27
Issue
1
Pages
176-183
ISSN
  • 1360-7863 (ISSN-L)
  • 1364-6915
OpenAlex
W4224941051
Cited by
37
References
54
Citations by year
2026: 9 · 2025: 13 · 2024: 7 · 2023: 7 · 2022: 1
FWCI
10.07
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
  • Aging & Mental Health (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Impact of Technology on Adolescents
  • Social Sciences › Demography › Technology Use by Older Adults
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Mental Health via Writing
Keywords
social media use, active social media use, passive social media use, depressive symptoms, older adults, aging, social comparison, mental health
MeSH terms
Aged, Depression, Emotions, Humans, Mental Health, Social Media

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