The benefits of internet use seemed to vary across countries and subpopulations. They were influenced by genetic, behavioral, and sociodemographic factors. There were also inconsistent results in some countries like England.
The study also acknowledged potential downsides to internet use, such as cyberbullying, misinformation, and excessive screen time that interferes with offline activities, highlighting the need for focused and intentional internet usage strategies.
The findings of the study are important, especially as internet use is becoming increasingly adopted by global middle-aged and older populations.
The internet provides access to health information, entertainment, and social connections, all of which positively impact mental health.
The findings can be used to inform effective public health protocols and practices to improve the mental health of middle-aged and older adults around the world.
Although regular internet usage was linked to enhanced mental health benefits, there are still potential risks that need to be studied further.
Overall, it was determined that promoting internet use could help boost mental health in adults aged 50 or older, particularly in regions with limited access to mental health resources.
The study was published in the journal Nature Human Behavior.
