The purpose of internet use and face-to-face communication with friends and acquaintances among older adults: A JAGES longitudinal study

Internet use influences social interactions in society.However, there is no consensus on whether and what kind of Internet use increases face-to-face communication (FFC).This study investigated the mode of Internet use that increases FFC among older adults after three years.Participants were 8734 adults aged 65 or older who responded to the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study (JAGES) surveys in 2016 and 2019.The exposures were the purposes of Internet use in 2016.The outcome was the frequency of FFC with friends or acquaintances in 2019.The confounders included 13 demographic, socioeconomic, and psychological variables.I performed modified Poisson regression analyses and found that Internet use for communication in 2016 increased FFC in 2019, especially for low-frequency FFC in 2016.Internet-based non-FFC may help promote FFC and prevent social isolation among older adults who are less likely to interact with others.What this paper adds Internet use for communication is associated with an increase in face-to-face communication (FFC) among those who interact infrequently.Internet use for communication is not associated with an increase in FFC among those who interact frequently.Internet use other than for other purposes is not associated with an increase in FFC.Applications of study findings Promote FFC among socially isolated older adults by encouraging Internet-based communication.Accumulate research on the types and content of Internet use for communication that can promote FFC and prevent social isolation.