The impact of internet device diversity on depressive symptoms among middle-aged and older adults in China: A cross-lagged model of social participation as the mediating role.

Background: Depressive symptoms is more prevalent in middle-aged and older populations, and the development of Internet technology has brought new challenges and opportunities for the mental health of this group. This study aims to explore the bidirectional relationship between Internet device diversity and levels of depressive symptoms through longitudinal data analysis, as well as investigate the mediating role of social participation.

Methods: Data for the analysis was retrieved from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) in 2015, 2018, and 2020, which included 9259 middle-aged and older adults.