Internet Usage, Social Participation, and Depression Symptoms Among Middle-Aged and Older Adult Chinese Individuals Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Evidence From the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Observational Study

Internet usage was negatively associated with depressive symptoms among middle-aged and older adults. Despite a noticeable increase in depression scores in 2020 compared with 2018, the mediating effect of social participation diminished, while the direct effect of internet usage became more pronounced during the pandemic. These findings underscore the need to prioritize mental health recovery in this population, promote diverse forms of social participation, and leverage the internet's potential to enhance social participation and mental well-being.