Internet access during COVID-19 and depressive symptoms in middle-aged and older adults: Evidence from a quasi-experimental study in China

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the mental health of middle-aged and older adults has become an increasing concern, and the role of the internet in addressing this public health crisis has drawn the attention of researchers. This study evaluated the impact of internet access during COVID-19 on depressive symptoms among middle-aged and older adults. Data were derived from China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) 2018 and 2020. Difference-in-differences analysis was performed to compare changes in depressive symptoms between the internet users during COVID-19 and those who didn't have access to the internet before and during the pandemic. We found that internet access during COVID-19 pandemic significantly reduced middle-aged and older adults' depressive symptoms. Further investigation identified the underlying mechanisms through which internet access helps in alleviating depressive symptoms by reducing the likelihood of experiencing negative emotions about COVID-19. Heterogeneity analyses showed that rural residents and middle-aged individuals benefited more from internet access during the pandemic. Since internet access can alleviate middle-aged and older adults' depressive symptoms amidst public health crisis, policy makers should focus on enhancing their access to the internet.