Title : Social media addiction and its impact on mental health and late-life well-being: Implications for healthy aging
Abstract:
As digital technologies become increasingly integrated into daily life, social media use has expanded across all age groups, including older adults. While social media platforms can facilitate social connection, information sharing, and engagement, excessive and compulsive use may contribute to adverse psychological outcomes. This study explores the relationship between social media addiction, mental health, and well-being in later life. Drawing on existing literature and theoretical perspectives from psychology and gerontology, the study examines how problematic social media use influences depression, anxiety, loneliness, sleep quality, self-esteem, and overall life satisfaction among adults approaching or experiencing older age. Particular attention is given to the mechanisms through which excessive social media engagement may affect emotional well-being, including social comparison, fear of missing out (FOMO), reduced face-to-face interaction, and digital dependency. The findings suggest that social media addiction is associated with increased psychological distress and may negatively affect healthy aging by reducing meaningful social engagement and diminishing overall well-being. However, moderate and purposeful use of social media can support social connectedness and access to health-related information, potentially enhancing quality of life among older adults. The study highlights the need for balanced digital engagement strategies and digital wellbeing interventions that promote healthy technology use across the lifespan. Understanding the long-term psychological consequences of social media addiction is essential for developing policies and programs that support mental health, resilience, and sustainable longevity in an increasingly digital society.
Keywords: Social Media Addiction, Mental Health, Healthy Aging, Well-Being, Older Adults, Loneliness, Digital Well-Being, Sustainable Longevity.
