Bridging Unequal Digital Connections: How Mobility Shapes the Impact of Social Internet Use on Loneliness in Older Adults during COVID-19

Background and Purpose: The COVID-19 pandemic significantly reshaped daily life, accelerating the adoption of digital technologies across all age groups. While older adults have historically been the least likely to engage with digital platforms, many have increasingly embraced these tools for a range of social and practical purposes (Chopik, 2016). During a time of widespread physical distancing and social isolation, understanding how digital engagement affects emotional well-being—particularly loneliness—became especially critical (Seifert et al., 2021). However, limited attention has been given to how specific types of social Internet use may alleviate loneliness—a pressing concern among older adults—especially when factoring in mobility limitations. This study aims to fill this gap by examining: (1) differences in social Internet use based on mobility status, and (2) the relationship between various forms of social Internet use and loneliness, stratified by mobility status.

Methods: We analyzed data from the 2021 National Health and Aging Trends Study (N=2,844; mean age=78.4; 54.7% female; 81.6% White, non-Hispanic), with 22.6% of participants reporting mobility difficulties, and 22.2% indicating feelings of loneliness on more than several days a week. The dependent variable, loneliness in the past month, was measured with a single-item question, and dichotomized (0=never/rarely; 1=some days a week to everyday). Main predictors of social Internet use included the frequency of emailing/texting (0=never to 3=most days), use of social networking sites (SNS) (1=yes), and online video chatting with family or friends (1=yes). Covariates included age, gender, education, race, income, employment status, self-care difficulties, cognitive function, mental health (PHQ-4), social network size, and participation in physical and social activities. Survey weighted logistic regression models were employed, stratified by mobility status.

Results: About 46% of older adults reported sending emails or texts most days, 39% accessed SNS, and 32% engaged in online video chats with family or friends. Older adults with mobility difficulties (n=754) were significantly less likely to engage in any types of social Internet use compared to their peers without mobility limitations (n=2,090). Among those with mobility difficulties, online video chatting was associated with a lower likelihood of experiencing loneliness (OR=0.3, p<.01), while SNS use was associated with a higher likelihood of loneliness (OR=2.1, p<.05). In contrast, no significant associations were found between social Internet use and loneliness among older adults without mobility difficulties.

Conclusions and Implications: These findings underscore the nuanced role of digital engagement in supporting the emotional well-being of older adults, particularly those with mobility limitations. While online video chatting appears to serve as a meaningful tool for reducing loneliness, the association between SNS use and increased loneliness suggests that not all forms of online interaction yield the same benefits. Tailored digital interventions—especially those that promote face-to-face virtual communication—may offer critical social support for mobility-impaired older adults, helping to bridge isolation during periods like the COVID-19 pandemic. Future policies and programs should prioritize accessibility and digital literacy to ensure older adults can leverage the most effective technologies for social connection and mental health.