This study investigated the moderating effects of online social networks and digital literacy on the relationship between loneliness and depression among the elderly. Additionally, it analyzed how this moderating relationship varies with different levels of digital literacy, as well as examining group characteristics based on these levels. A survey was conducted with 211 individuals aged 60 to 70 years. The participants were divided into two groups based on their level of loneliness to explore the impact of digital literacy. The findings revealed that both online social networks and digital literacy significantly moderated the effect of loneliness on depression. Notably, in the group with higher levels of loneliness, the moderating effect of digital literacy was more pronounced. Furthermore, differences in preferred app functionalities were discovered based on the levels of digital literacy. Based on these results, the study discussed the positive role of digital literacy and offered improvement strategies for the elderly with lower levels of digital literacy, focusing on reducing depression in this demographic.
Soontae An, Hannah Lee, & Yujin Lee (2024). The effects of online network and digital literacy on depression in older adults: A review of functional characteristics of apps for older adults with low digital literacy. Journal of Broadcasting and Telecommunications Research, 74-103. DOI: 10.22876/kjbtr.2023..125.003