A study on the impact of smartphones on older adults was conducted by researchers from Rutgers University in the United States, in collaboration with colleagues from China. They surveyed over 2,500 people aged 60 and above in Guangzhou. Participants described how they use their phones, how actively they engage in communication, and their level of participation in community life. They also shared data on their health.
Using a neural network, the experts identified patterns and key risk factors for depression. It turned out that low social activity has the strongest influence on the risk of depression. In second place on the list of risks is excessive smartphone use, when the habit begins to interfere with daily life. The phone itself is not an enemy; on the contrary, it remains a tool for staying in touch with loved ones. Problems arise when it becomes a means of escaping reality: constantly scrolling through feeds, watching videos, or playing alone leads to isolation.
Two groups are particularly vulnerable. The first includes older men with low levels of education. When they have few social ties or lose a partner, the phone often becomes a “crutch” that limits rather than helps.
The second group consists of older adults with high income and education levels. Their risk of depression also increases when the screen replaces face-to-face interaction.
It seems a vicious cycle is at play here: loneliness leads to more screen time, which further distances individuals from real-life communication, intensifying isolation. The researchers recommend not giving up phones but using them solely for beneficial purposes.
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