Using the Internet is good for you, but only if you are over a certain age.
This is evident from a new study, which claims that people over 50 who regularly use the internet are happier with their lives and are less likely to become depressed.
Researchers from the University of Hong Kong found that “silver surfers” who log in regularly to send or receive emails, make purchases or search for information report better well-being than those who don’t.
However, this is not good news for those under 50 who like to scroll online.
Other research has suggested that internet use in young people may be linked to increased anxiety, low self-esteem, eating disorders and online harassment.
In the study, the team analyzed data from 87,000 people aged 50 and over in 23 countries, including Britain, who were followed for an average of six years.
They were divided into four groups: those who never used the Internet, those who used it less than once a week, those who logged in weekly and those who used it daily.
They found that as internet use increased, participants reported higher levels of life satisfaction and better health.
Using the Internet is good for you, but only if you are over a certain age. This is evident from a new study, which claims that over-50s who regularly use the internet are happier with their lives and are less likely to become depressed (stock image)
In England, analysis found that only those who used the internet daily were less likely to report depressive symptoms than other categories.
Overall, those aged 65 and older seemed to get the greatest benefit from using the Internet, the team found, as did those who were unmarried, didn’t exercise much and had less money.
The researchers suggest that for people aged 50 and over, internet use could promote social interaction and reduce loneliness.
It could also give these individuals access to information and services that could in turn provide emotional support and medical advice.
However, they warned that this could be a ‘double-edged sword’ for the mental health of older adults, as spending excessive amounts of time online could affect sleep, physical activity and social connections in real life.
Regular internet use can also make people more susceptible to online fraud and misinformation, they say.
Writing in the journal Nature Human Behavior, the team said: ‘Taken together, our results show that Internet use could be an effective strategy to improve the overall mental health of middle-aged and older people.
‘For people in later life, who often face mobility and activity limitations, internet use offers a valuable opportunity and alternative to accessing health-related information.
Other research has suggested that internet use in young people may be linked to increased anxiety, low self-esteem, eating disorders and online harassment (stock image)
‘It provides an important channel for social connections and online entertainment, all of which can have a positive impact on their mental health.’
Previous research has also shown that silver surfers who continue to use the internet are half as likely to develop dementia as those who rarely go online.
A team from New York University followed more than 18,000 dementia-free adults between the ages of 50 and 65 for up to 17 years.
Author Virginia Chang said: ‘Online engagement can help develop and maintain cognitive reserve, which in turn can offset brain aging and reduce the risk of dementia.’