Mediating Effects of Social Networks Between Digital Use Competence and Social Participation of Korean Older Adults

This study aimed to determine whether competency in digital use among older Koreans affected social participation through social networks by establishing a structural equation model. Data from 7,252 participants aged 65 and older were analyzed using the 2020 National Survey on Older Koreans. Path analysis and mediation analysis were performed to determine the research model and to examine the mediation effect of the social network of older Koreans. Social networks were identified as a mediator between digital use competency and social participation. It was also confirmed that the size of ( B = .006, 95% CI [.005, .008]) and satisfaction with ( B = .005, 95% CI [.004, .007]) the social network had a partially mediating effect. The results of this study highlight the value of digital intervention for the older population in terms of social participation and the necessity for including strategies to maintain social networks in future interventions.