Related Experiment Videos
Older Chinese, the internet, and well-being
1College of Information Studies, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA. boxie@umd.edu
Summary
Internet use enhances the well-being of older Chinese adults by making retirement more meaningful and improving self-perception. Culturally specific factors in China also influence this positive association.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Sociology
- Information Science
Background:
- The increasing digital divide affects older adults globally.
- Understanding technology adoption among seniors in non-Western contexts is crucial.
- China's rapid economic reforms and mandatory retirement policies create unique circumstances for its aging population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the impact of Internet use on the well-being of older Chinese adults.
- To explore how cultural factors in China mediate Internet adoption and its effects.
- To understand the lived experiences of seniors engaging with digital technologies.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative study involving 33 older Chinese adults in Shanghai.
- Interviews focused on Internet usage patterns and perceptions.
- Grounded theory approach for data analysis.
Main Results:
- Internet learning and use were positively associated with enhanced well-being.
- Participants reported more meaningful post-retirement lives and improved self-evaluations.
- Perceptions of self and by others improved due to Internet engagement.
Conclusions:
- Internet use can significantly improve the well-being of older Chinese adults.
- Mandatory retirement and economic reforms are key mediating factors.
- Digital inclusion initiatives should consider cultural specificities for older populations.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Social Foundations of Self IV: Self in Digital Communication
Since the early 2000s, computer-mediated communication (CMC) has grown rapidly, playing a crucial role in self-development. A key distinction between CMC and real-life interactions is the lack of a physically present partner. This absence makes non-verbal cues such as facial expressions, body language, and paralinguistic signals unavailable in CMC platforms like email, instant messaging, or social media. The lack of these cues can create ambiguity and complicate how feedback is interpreted.The...
01:29Close Relationships and Culture
Culture shapes how people approach attraction, choose partners, and build long-term relationships. While some preferences in mate selection appear consistent across cultures, such as men valuing physical attractiveness and women emphasizing financial resources, cultural contexts influence how these preferences are expressed and prioritized. Marriage extends beyond romantic ideals in many societies and is deeply embedded in social, economic, and religious frameworks.The Role of Culture in Mate...
01:28Self-Help Support Groups
Self-help support groups are voluntary, community-based organizations that provide a platform for individuals with shared concerns to exchange support, insights, and practical strategies for coping with life challenges. Typically led by group members or paraprofessionals, these groups form a cornerstone of mental health care, especially in reaching populations that are underserved by traditional healthcare systems.
Accessibility and Cost-Effectiveness
One of the primary strengths of self-help...
Accessibility and Cost-Effectiveness
One of the primary strengths of self-help...
01:27Sources of Self-Esteem III: Social Comparison
Social comparison plays a fundamental role in the evaluation of personal success and self-worth. Rather than assessing our achievements in isolation, we interpret their significance relative to personal goals and critically in comparison to the performance of others. A grade of B in a mathematics exam might elicit pride if one's expectation was a C, yet result in disappointment if an A was anticipated or if peers achieved superior results. These comparative evaluations illustrate how both...
01:30Social Relationships and Well-Being
The significance of social relationships in psychological well-being is a well-established area of inquiry within social psychology. Research consistently demonstrates that the presence of meaningful, supportive relationships enhances emotional health, while the absence or deterioration of such connections can contribute to psychological distress. Relationships serve as a foundation for emotional support, identity, and social belonging, all of which are critical to an individual’s overall...
01:30Current Trends in Nursing II
Trends in nursing are multifactorial and associated with changes in society, within the nursing profession, and in other professions. Notably, telehealth and remote nursing contribute to successful healthcare delivery for numerous patients and help reduce stress for nurses due to nursing shortages. Nurses can reach patients, monitor their conditions, and interact with them using computers, audio, visual accessories, and telephones—for example, remote patient monitoring systems. Likewise,...