online users fulfilled? Maybe the elderly group may also experience satisfaction through digital means

Online Elders Find Contentment via Internet Connections - Online connectivity boosts overall happiness levels among users.

In a world where digital platforms have become an integral part of our daily lives, a new study sheds light on the effects of internet use among adults. The research, led by Qingpeng Zhang from the University of Hong Kong, spanned 23 countries and included responses from individuals across different age groups.

The study found a correlation between internet use and positive effects, such as higher life satisfaction, better self-assessed health, and fewer depressive symptoms among seniors (aged 50 and over). However, it's important to note that this research did not establish a cause-and-effect relationship.

Internet use, as defined in the study, encompassed activities like sending and receiving emails, online shopping, booking travel, and searching for information. The study also found that the needs of different age groups varied, with younger people tending to use social media more for information gathering, while older people cited entertainment more often.

Sociologist Bobzien from the University of Potsdam notes that there is little research on the effects of social media use on adults. She mentions that digital platforms offer both opportunities and risks, with easier communication with family members like children or grandparents being a benefit. However, over-reliance on these platforms could have negative consequences.

Catarina Katzer expresses concern about the impact of excessive internet use on the mental health of the elderly. She fears that it could harm their mental health by reducing offline activities like exercise, sleep, and social contacts in the real world. Katzer also notes that the rhythm of the internet is not made for our brains, and our Stone Age brain is overwhelmed by the variety and speed of the internet.

Katzer further emphasises that we are not yet developing a digital awareness, and this problem is even more pronounced in children and teenagers. She notes that we are emotionally and cognitively drawn to false paths and that we lose or fail to learn certain skills, such as critical thinking or the ability to solve problems ourselves, due to the nature of the internet.

Bobzien suggests that we should be mindful of our internet usage and strive for a balance. She encourages adults to utilise digital platforms responsibly, ensuring they maintain a healthy balance between online and offline activities. The study published in the journal "Socius: Sociological Research for a Dynamic World" from Potsdam and Munich concludes that older people use their social media time more for messaging services like WhatsApp or Telegram and Facebook, while YouTube was popular across generations.

In conclusion, while the internet offers numerous benefits, it's crucial to be aware of its potential risks, especially for the elderly. Striking a balance between online and offline activities is key to ensuring we reap the benefits of the digital world without compromising our mental and physical health.