Context Matters: Internet Usage and Loneliness Among Middle-Aged and Older Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Objectives Later life is often categorized by higher-than-average levels of loneliness, but individual differences are vast and not well understood. Emerging evidence indicates that broad-based contextual factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic – and the use of the internet throughout – are differentially associated with the experience of loneliness. We therefore target internet usage and loneliness among middle-aged and older adults during the pandemic and examine the moderating role of age, gender, and limiting illness therein. Methods We applied hierarchical regression models to data from the COVID-19 sub-study Wave 1 (June/July 2020) of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (N= 4,790; Mage= 70.2; SD= 9.0; range: 50-90; 43.5% male). Results Infrequent internet use was associated with less loneliness compared to very frequent users – an association that strengthened with age. Conversely, purpose of internet use was associated with more loneliness, with higher levels exhibited by those searching for health-related information – an effect stronger among those with a limiting illness. Discussion Findings imply that infrequent internet use may reduce loneliness, while health-related internet searches may increase loneliness among older adults with different physical capacities. Findings are contrary to pre-pandemic reports, underscoring the importance of broad-based contextual factors for understanding loneliness across adulthood and old age.