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Shared Destiny in the Digital Era: Sensation Seeking, Loneliness, and Excessive Internet Use among Middle-Aged and Older Adults in Mainland China

Author

Listed:
  • Heng Yang

    (School of Journalism and Communication, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
    Department of Communication and Media Research, University of Zurich, 8050 Zurich, Switzerland)

  • Jianbin Jin

    (School of Journalism and Communication, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China)

Abstract

With digital infrastructures becoming the foundation of modern life and a shared lifestyle, the internet has become a popular leisure tool for middle-aged and elderly individuals. However, inappropriate use of the internet can jeopardize their health and quality of life, and excessive internet use by middle-aged and older adults is a cause for concern. This study found that middle-aged and older adults are vulnerable to excessive internet use. One predictor of excessive use is loneliness, but its effect is relatively limited. It is a mediating variable rather than the essential cause of excessive internet use by middle-aged and older adults. The effect of sensation seeking is a strong predictor of middle-aged and older adults’ excessive internet use, which means they have a strong desire to use the internet to satisfy their emotional needs, thus, resulting in excessive internet use. The social nature of digital infrastructure in a relational framework and the impact of the internet on different populations are likely more complex than we imagine and have the potential to cause many unintended effects.

Suggested Citation

  • Heng Yang & Jianbin Jin, 2022. "Shared Destiny in the Digital Era: Sensation Seeking, Loneliness, and Excessive Internet Use among Middle-Aged and Older Adults in Mainland China," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(21), pages 1-17, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:21:p:13766-:d:950853
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    2. Russell D. Ravert & M. Brent Donnellan, 2021. "Impulsivity and Sensation Seeking: Differing Associations with Psychological Well-Being," Applied Research in Quality of Life, Springer;International Society for Quality-of-Life Studies, vol. 16(4), pages 1503-1515, August.
    3. Yang Yang & Dan Zeng & Fan Yang, 2022. "Internet Use and Subjective Well-Being of the Elderly: An Analysis of the Mediating Effect Based on Social Capital," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(19), pages 1-20, September.
    4. Shechory Bitton, Mally & Cohen Medina, Hagit, 2015. "Problematic internet use and sensation seeking: Differences between teens who live at home and in residential care," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 58(C), pages 35-40.
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