The impact of short video usage on the mental health of elderly people

Abstract

Abstract Background In the context of a gradual increase in aging, improving the mental health of the elderly is particularly vital for coping with aging. Leveraging data from the 2020 China Family Panel Studies, this study rigorously examines the influence of short video on the mental health of the elderly. Methods We use a multiple linear regression model to investigate the influence of short video usage on the mental health of the elderly. To address endogeneity concerns, this study employs two-stage least squares and propensity score matching to estimate the impact of short video usage on the mental health of the elderly. Results The empirical analysis reveals a substantive and statistically significant enhancement in the mental health of elderly people attributable to the use of short videos. To ensure the reliability and robustness of our estimations, a comprehensive battery of robustness tests is conducted, all of which consistently support the conclusion of a positive association between short video usage and improved mental health among the elderly. Furthermore, the results of the heterogeneity analysis suggest that short videos have less of an impact on elderly males and individuals with higher levels of education. The results of the mechanism analysis indicate that the use of short videos can enhance the mental health of elderly individuals by positively impacting the intergenerational relationships between them and their children, as well as their leisure consumption habits. Conclusions This study can provide policy inspiration for the government to improve the mental health of the elderly and achieve active aging.

Keywords

• Short video
• Mental health
• Intergenerational relationships
• Leisure consumption