The lonely swipe: Psychiatric nurses' experiences with technology-mediated social isolation in older adults with...

Technology-mediated communication has become increasingly prevalent in mental health care, especially among older adults. However, the role of digital platforms in either mitigating or exacerbating social isolation among depressed older adults remains poorly understood from the perspective of frontline psychiatric-mental-health nurses.

To explore how psychiatric-mental-health nurses experience and navigate technology-facilitated social isolation in older adults with depression.

A qualitative phenomenological approach was employed to capture the lived experiences of 18 psychiatric-mental-health nurses working in the Abha region of Saudi Arabia. Participants were recruited through purposive sampling and interviewed using semi-structured guides. Data were analysed thematically using Braun and Clarke's six-phase framework, supported by NVivo software.

Four interrelated themes were identified: (1) Paradox of Virtual Connection-nurses observed digital tools both bridging and deepening isolation; (2) Negotiating Professional Agency-nurses navigated family control, ethical tensions, and surveillance dynamics; (3) Adaptive Care Strategies-nurses developed culturally responsive, hybrid interventions to maintain connection; and (4) Emotional Labour and Reflective Growth-digital fatigue spurred reflective practice and policy advocacy. These themes formed a cyclical relationship, illustrating the complexity of digital care delivery.

Technology offers new pathways for connection but introduces emotional, ethical, and operational challenges in geriatric mental health nursing. Nurses play a crucial role in humanising digital care and advocating for balanced, inclusive, and policy-guided systems. Targeted training, clear telehealth protocols, and emotional support for nurses are critical to ensure equitable and person-centred care in the digital age.