Social function and psychological wellbeing among older Australian users of computer-mediated communication

Does social distancing impact use

Bibliographic Data

ID21452104
AuthorsBelinda G Fuss (0000-0002-7766-533X, The University of Adelaide), Belinda Fuss (The University of Adelaide, corresponding author), Diana S Dorstyn (0000-0002-7799-8177, The University of Adelaide), Lynn Ward (0000-0002-3006-8247, The University of Adelaide)
Year2022
Volume41
Issue14
Pages3001-3012
Publication date2022-10-26
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueBehaviour and Information Technology (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0144-929X • E-ISSN: 1362-3001
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/0144929x.2021.1968952
OpenAlexW3195797393
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited55

Older adults were at particular risk for loneliness during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. In this instance, the use of computers for communication (i.e. computer-mediated communication, CMC) may help to enhance older people’s social interactions and relationships. In the present study, 113 community-dwelling users of CMC, aged 65 years and over, were surveyed in order to better understand the effects of CMC in addition to the individual characteristics contributing to patterns of online communication. An opportunity to examine the impact of the pandemic on CMC behaviours presented approximately 12 months after the initial study with 70 participants resurveyed. High levels of social functioning, in addition to good physical and psychological health, were reported by this group of digitally active users. A positive association between high CMC use and social functioning was noted, even after controlling for differences in personality, frequency of face-to-face communication, health, gender, and relationship status. Interestingly, the pandemic saw a reduction in weekly CMC use, although CMC-based behaviours remained unchanged. The present findings highlight the important role that technology has in facilitating and maintaining supports and, potentially, reducing social isolation by helping older adults stay in touch with family and friends

Computer-mediated communication · Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) · Developmental psychology · Loneliness · Psychiatry · Social distance · Social isolation · Social support · The Internet · World Wide Web · Aging and Gerontology Research · Clinical Psychology · Health disparities and outcomes · Medicine · Psychology · Social Psychology · Technology Use by Older Adults · Gerontology

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