Social Media Integration, Social Support, and Depression Among Older Adults

Abstract

Purpose

Understanding how social media use (SMU) embedded in daily routines influences mental health in older adulthood is crucial. We explored whether integration-based SMU relates to depressive symptoms and whether social support mediates that link, considering online network size.

Method

A cross-sectional survey of 371 community-dwelling adults aged ≥55 years measured SMU integration, social support, depressive symptoms, demographics, health, and network size. Mediation analysis with bias-corrected bootstrapping assessed direct and indirect paths.

Results

Greater SMU integration corresponded with slightly higher depressive scores. Higher social support predicted lower symptoms but did not explain the SMU–depression association. Participants with medium-sized networks reported the strongest support; larger networks offered no additional benefit.

Conclusion

Deeply embedding social media in daily routines may modestly intensify depressive feelings, whereas maintaining a moderate circle of online ties seems most supportive. Interventions should foster balanced engagement and manageable networks among older adult users. [Research in Gerontological Nursing, xx(x), xx–xx.]