Digital connectivity and healthy aging in China: how Internet use shapes subjective well-being through social engagement and isolation

While the relationship between Internet use and subjective well-being has attracted substantial scholarly attention, empirical evidence regarding its causal mechanisms remains inconclusive. This study examines how Internet use influences subjective well-being among older adults using survey data from 518 respondents across six communities in Kunming, Yunnan Province, China. Results indicate that Internet use demonstrates a significant positive association with subjective well-being when mediating variables are excluded from the analysis. However, the direct effect becomes statistically non-significant after introducing social engagement and social isolation as parallel mediators, suggesting full mediation. These findings reveal that Internet use enhances subjective well-being indirectly through its effects on reducing social isolation and promoting social engagement among older adult populations. Grounded in social support theory, this research provides culturally contextualized insights for developing digital inclusion strategies to promote healthy aging in China.