Internet Use and Social Networking Among Middle Aged and Older Adults

Abstract

In this study, the associations between Internet use and the social networks of adults over 50 years of age were examined. A sample (n = 2284) from the 2004 wave of the Health and Retirement Survey was used. In regression models considering a number of control variables, frequency of contact with friends, frequency of contact with family, and attendance at organizational meetings (not including religious services) were found to have a significant positive association with Internet use for adults over 50. Results add to the body of research that suggests Internet use can strengthen social networks, looking specifically at adults over 50.

Notes

Reprinted by permission of Oxford University Press, Inc. Figures 7–1 (p. 143) from chapter “Social integration, social networks, social support, and health” by Berkman, L., & Glass, L., in Social epidemiology edited by Berkman, Lisa & Kawachi, Ichiro (2000). © By permission of Oxford University Press, Inc.

Note. Continuous variables are shown as means (standard error of the mean).

∗p < .05, ∗∗p < .001, ∗∗∗p < .0001.

Note. Continuous variables are shown as means (standard error of the mean).

Nominal variable evaluations done using chi-square test.

Continuous variable evaluations done using point-biserial correlation.

Note. Independent variables in the models are Internet use, race, biological sex, Hispanic status, marriage status, currently working status occupation, whether the respondent has children, age, number of household residents, annual income, years of education, health barriers, health status, except where noted. Bonferroni adjusted alpha was .00625.

†= Variable “have-children” was not included in these models.

∗p < .00625, ∗∗p < .0001.

Note. Independent variables in the models are Internet use, race, biological sex, Hispanic status, marriage status, currently working status occupation, whether the respondent has children, age, number of household residents, annual income, years of education, health barriers, health status. Bonferroni adjusted Alpha was .0125.

∗p < .0125, ∗∗p < .0001.