The Digital Side to Mental Health: Uncovering the Relationship Between Screen-Based Entertainment and Mental Well-Being Among Older Rural Residents in China

The aging population in China presents challenges to public health. The massive rural to urban migration over the last decade has left millions of older rural residents behind. Limited communication with their family and friends is leaving many distressed with feelings of loneliness. Consequences can be severe with a greater risk of depression. Moreover, for many older rural adults, depression goes undiagnosed because it is difficult for rural public health officials to identify depressive conditions within village households. The literature finds that the lack of communication with family members and social activities are significant factors in mental health of older individuals. However, few studies examine the relationship between screen time and the mental health of older adults. The objective of this study is to examine the relationship between TV/video consumption and mental health among older rural residents. Using the 2016 and 2018 China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) data, this study conducts longitudinal fixed-effects regression analyses. The results show that screen time (watching TV, movies or video programs) and depression scores have a U-shape curvilinear relationship. Moderate levels of TV/video viewing are correlated with lower depression scores. No access to TV/video entertainment is associated with higher depression scores. An implication of this study may inform village doctors and rural public health officials to identify correlates with depression, and village officials can target resources from town and county public health agencies where it is needed.