Aging in the digital age: Exploring the relationship between Internet use and age identity among Chinese older adults

Abstract

Digital technology in China has advanced rapidly over the past two decades. Traditionally viewed as resistant to new technology, Chinese older adults are challenging these stereotypes and actively engaging in the digital age. The study aims to examine how the use of Internet is associated with age identity among older adults, and how the association varies across sociodemographic groups. This study employs the fixed-effects model to analyze the panel data of 5460 respondents in 2018 and 2020 waves of China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey. The results show that Internet use, particularly daily use of Internet, is positively associated with a younger age identity measured by perceived old age, felt age, and appearance age. Online communication and entertainment show positive linkage with age identity, while no similar relationship is observed for online life services. This study utilizes the development of information technology industry and Internet penetration rate of older respondents at the city level as instrumental variables to address the potential endogeneity bias. The mediation analyses reveal that Internet use enables older adults to improve participation in offline social activities, to promote their social adaptation, and also to reduce the likelihood of feeling worthless, thus leading to a positive perception of aging. Moreover, the benefits of Internet use are more pronounced for female, younger, urban, and better-educated older adults. Our study has established the Internet as a valuable resource for successful aging, and it is thus crucial to bridge the digital divide by designing age-friendly digital products and enhancing older adults’ digital literacy.