I read “The Protective Role of the Internet in Depression for Europeans Aged 50+ Living Alone” by Sliva et al. (2022). These authors used a large sample size (64,260 people) to ascertain as to whether the internet has a role in preventing depression among people aged 50+ who live alone (Silva et al., 2022, p.6.) A literature review undertaken by the authors outlined studies that provided varying degrees of whether the internet provided positive, neutral or negative effects to those people living alone (Silva et al., 2022, p.2). As a result of mixed findings, the authors felt that further research was needed to shed more light on the topic area (Silva et al., 2022, p.2).
The results of their study found that those who used the internet were less likely to experience depression (Silva et al., 2022, p. 5). Although not specified in the study, I am sure that communication with loved ones, the ability to research services and have access to information at the fingertips may contribute to feelings of well-being and lessen loneliness and depression. The results of the study do raise an important point of inequalities in accessing the internet. Some in the 50+ age group may not have the knowledge of how to use the internet, nor have access to either an internet connection or a device (mobile or computer). It also makes me think about the importance of public libraries that offer free internet access to those who do not have access from home. As Silva et al. (2022, p. 2) suggest, these findings could inform policies in regards to digital inclusiveness and older people. It was in thinking about this that I came across the Australian Digital Inclusion Index (2022) which I had not heard of before.
I have long been skeptical about the use of the internet and social media platforms in our lives. However, I am beginning to realise I am somewhat of a hypocrite. I have not been able to return to Australia for 2.5 years due to Covid and travel restrictions. However, I have maintained contact with my family with Whatsapp all over the world and this has made a significant difference in feeling connected. Studies such as these exploring the benefits of being technologically connected help challenge my viewpoint. It also makes me think of my elderly Grandmother, who lived alone on an isolated farm. I wonder what she would have thought of Whatsapp and I’m a little sad she didn’t get to experience it.
Word count: 421
Please note that I relied on the CSU Referencing Summary to guide my most of my citations for the Online Learning Journal.
References
Australian Digital Inclusion Index. (2022). Key findings and next steps. Australian Digital Inclusion Index. https://www.digitalinclusionindex.org.au/
Levine, A. (2010, November 29). Mom’s Twitter lesson part 2 [Photograph]. Flickr. https://www.flickr.com/photos/37996646802@N01/5220058302
Silva, P., Matos, A. D., & Martinez-pecino, R. (2022). The protective role of the internet in depression for Europeans aged 50+ living alone. Social Media + Society, 8(1), 1-9. https://doi.org/10.1177/20563051221077675
Thanks for letting us know about the Digital Inclusion Index. I haven’t heard of it before, either.
Jenny