The Effect of Digital Interaction with Friends and Family on Older Adults’ Well-Being
Author Information
Author(s): He Ranran, Ogle Destiny, Ren Jinnan
Primary Institution: Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States
Hypothesis
How does digital interaction with friends or family affect the well-being of older adults?
Conclusion
Digital interaction with family generally has a more positive impact on older adults' well-being compared to interaction with friends.
Supporting Evidence
- Most studies found positive impacts of digital interaction with family members on well-being.
- Some studies found negative, mixed, or null effects of digital interaction with family.
- Communication with family members was typically more predictive of well-being than communication with friends.
- Conflicting results were found in studies examining the effects of digital interaction with friends.
Takeaway
Talking to family and friends online can make older people feel better, but it doesn't always work the same way for everyone.
Methodology
The study systematically reviewed 21 quantitative studies sourced from six databases.
Limitations
The studies reviewed had conflicting results and varied in their measurement of digital interaction.
Participant Demographics
Older adults, but specific age ranges were not detailed.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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