The impact of the digital divide on rural older People's mental quality of life: A conditional process analysis

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the influences of the digital divide on the mental quality of life among rural older people in China, and investigate the mediating role of information acquisition ability. The results revealed significant negative influences of the digital divide on the mental quality of life for older people in rural areas, with variations depending on age and educational level. The study identified information acquisition ability as a crucial mediating factor in this relationship. It contributed to the existing literature by unveiling the mechanisms through which the digital divide could affect rural older people's mental quality of life, emphasizing the pivotal role of information acquisition ability, particularly the quality of content. Furthermore, the study provided practical implications for mitigating the digital divide and enhancing the mental quality of life for older people in rural areas of China.

Keywords

• Digital divide
• Mental quality of life
• Information acquisition ability
• Personal characteristics
• Rural older people