HMN 2026: How Social media use is linked to poorer mental health in older Canadians

Different digital communication tools are associated with mental health in different ways among older adults in Canada, according to a new study published in PLOS Global Public Health by Hossam Ali-Hassan of York University, Canada, and colleagues.

Seniors are considered the fastest-growing group on the internet, with 83% of Canadian seniors engaging in online activities in 2022. The use of the internet has been linked to reduced social isolation and loneliness. However, the literature also presents mixed findings on the impact of digital communication tools on mental health among older adults, with some studies suggesting that digital behaviors may be associated with poorer mental health outcomes.

In the new study, researchers analyzed data from the 2022 Canadian Internet Use Survey, a cross-sectional survey conducted by Statistics Canada. The analysis was restricted to adults 55 and older and included 13,536 participants, weighted to be representative of the entire Canadian population 55 and older. Data were available on which online communication-related activities participants had conducted in the previous three months, their self-reported mental health and sociodemographic factors.

More than half of participants reported engaging in digital communication activities. After adjusting for covariates, email use was significantly positively associated with perceived mental health (Adj? = 0.113; p

“Understanding how digital communication tools are associated with mental health outcomes can inform policy and practice aimed at supporting mental well-being in this age group,” the authors say. “The findings may inform the development of targeted interventions and strategies to support mental well-being among older adults.”

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