An Examination of Internet Use and Its Association With Gender Ideology Among Older Adults: Insights From China

ABSTRACT Internet use among older Chinese adults is widespread, but little is known about the correlation between internet use and the evolution of gender ideology among this demographic. Using nationally representative data from the 2017 Chinese General Social Survey (CGSS), we found that young‐old Chinese women aged 60–69 who are frequent internet users demonstrate a markedly elevated level of egalitarian gender ideology compared to those who use the internet less frequently. The length of online reading serves as a mediating factor that connects these two aspects. Furthermore, education plays a moderating role. For both young‐old and middle‐oldest women who have not received formal school education, there is a significant correlation between internet usage and an increase in their egalitarian gender ideology. Internet use has no significant relationship with older men's gender ideology. This paper recommends that local communities enhance internet infrastructure for older Chinese residents and provide requisite training to boost their internet literacy.