Internet use reduces the probability of a depression categorization for older adults by about 20–28%. The effects of Internet use on depression are large and positive, resolving, at least to some extent, the lack of evidence supporting the Internet’s impact on depression among older adults (Dickinson & Gregor, 2006).
We note a few limitations. The sample is limited to nonworking retired Americans. Impacts may differ between working and non-working older adults. We cannot distinguish between the use of broadband and dial-up Internet services (Davison & Cotten, 2009; Hale et al., 2010). We estimate the effect using cross sectional data. We have a very basic measure of Internet usage (yes/ no). More nuanced measures might reveal specific ways through which Internet usage affects well-being. We hope this research encourages further examination of the interrelationships among Internet use and depression.