Complete Mediation of Depression in the Relationship between Internet Addiction and Life Satisfaction of Seniors

Abstract

This study aims to verify the mediating effect of depression in affecting life satisfaction of seniors with Internet addiction. To this end, 286 people aged above 65 old were surveyed online, and multiple regression analysis was conducted using Hayes (2018)'s PROCESS macro. The verification of the indirect effect was confirmed by performing the bootstrap method. As a result of the analysis, it was found that depression was completely mediated in the relationship between Internet addiction and life satisfaction in the elderly. In summary, first, Internet addiction was found to have a positive correlation with depression. Second, Internet addiction was found to have a negatively correlated with life satisfaction. Third, when Internet addiction and depression, which are independent and mediating variables, were put together, the influence of Internet addiction on life satisfaction did not appear. Therefore, it can be seen that Internet addiction in seniors affects depression as a complete medium rather than directly affecting life satisfaction. According to the results of this study, it was suggested that to improve the life satisfaction of the elderly, the Internet use should be maintained to a healthy degree, and to prevent and treat depression, welfare services for the elderly and daily resources should be expanded. In addition, different appropriate alternatives are needed by identifying the characteristics of each age group within seniors. It was also proposed to systematize group counseling treatment for the elderly addicted to the Internet and provide family counseling treatment programs. In addition, suggestions and limitations such as customized case management services for each preventive case for the elderly at potential risk of Internet addiction and depression were presented.