Improving older people's life satisfaction via social networking site use: Evidence from China

ObjectiveThis study aimed to examine the pathways by which social networking sites (SNSs) can improve older people's life satisfaction. MethodsWe conducted an online survey in China that lasted eight weeks. Respondents were required to report their demographic characteristics and feelings regarding SNS use. Data were analysed using SPSS 20 and Amos 21. ResultsWe collected 596 valid samples. The empirical results show that SNS use improves older people's life satisfaction by reducing their loneliness and improving their self-efficacy. Social support alleviates the negative effect of loneliness and enhances the positive effect of self-efficacy on life satisfaction. Sex differences and education differences were significant. Men and less educated people had higher levels of life satisfaction. ConclusionPolicymakers should offer support to SNSs targeting older people and encourage them to provide more useful services. SNS operators should encourage social support among older users and pay attention to sex differences and education differences. Policy Impact: Policymakers should provide support to social networking sites (SNSs) targeting older people, because SNS use can reduce loneliness and improve self-efficacy and thus improve life satisfaction. Practice Impact: Social networking site operators should encourage mutual social support, because social support can alleviate the negative effects of loneliness and enhance the positive effect of self-efficacy.