Media use patterns and depressive symptoms in later life: the mediating effects of loneliness and cognitive function

Studies have documented the inconsistent relationships between types of media use and health. However, the underlying mechanisms connecting patterns of media use to depressive symptoms have been relatively understudied.

Using data on 7061 individuals aged 60 or older from the 2016, 2018, and 2020 China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey, we used latent class analysis to identify media use patterns and path analysis to examine the mediating roles of cognitive function and loneliness.

Four meaningful patterns of media use (TV watchers, traditional media users, all media users, and new media users) were identified. The mediating effect of cognitive function on depressive symptoms was found only in the comparison between new media users and TV watchers. However, both all media users and traditional media users exhibited lower depressive symptoms than TV watchers when they reported lower levels of loneliness.

This study highlights the importance of using a wide range of media, including both online and offline media activities, in later life. Additionally, our research suggests that media use may be considered as an intervention to reduce depression among older adults by promoting cognitive function and reducing loneliness. This study calls for collaboration to create a diverse media environment where older people can make choices, participate, and enhance their mental health and media literacy.