Algorithm-associated digital addiction among older adults: mechanisms and public health implications for healthy aging

Algorithmic inducements-economic, social-emotional, task-feedback, and exploratory mechanisms-are jointly associated with a shift in older adults' digital use from instrumental participation to immersive dependence. The study introduces an analytical framework, "algorithmic drive-psychological compensation-structural constraint-behavioral reinforcement," and calls for coordinated algorithm governance and digital literacy initiatives to promote healthy aging in the digital era.