Internet Use and Conspiracy Theories in Older Adults
Author Information
Author(s): Takeuchi Masumi, Fukuzawa Ai, Kobayashi Tetsuro
Primary Institution: Tokyo Metropolitan Institute for Geriatrics and Gerontology
Hypothesis
Does internet use influence belief in conspiracy theories among older adults in Japan?
Conclusion
Older adults who watch more online videos are more likely to believe in conspiracy theories, especially if they feel lonely.
Supporting Evidence
- Older adults are more susceptible to conspiracy theories when exposed to extreme content.
- The study involved 1,200 participants from Japan.
- Multiple regression analysis showed a link between video watching and conspiracy belief in older adults.
Takeaway
This study found that older people who spend a lot of time watching videos online might start to believe in conspiracy theories, especially if they feel lonely.
Methodology
An online survey was conducted to assess internet usage, belief in conspiracy theories, loneliness, and demographics among participants.
Limitations
The study may not account for all factors influencing belief in conspiracy theories.
Participant Demographics
Participants were aged 20-79 and categorized into three age groups: young (20-39), middle-aged (40-59), and older adults (60-79).
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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