Impact of Internet use on cognitive decline in middle-aged and elderly people in China: a longitudinal observational study (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xinyue Yu ◽  
Xiang Wu ◽  
Aruhan Mu ◽  
Liqin Zhou
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Fixed Effects ◽  
Internet Use ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Cognitive Stimulation ◽  
Pharmacological Intervention ◽  
Future Research ◽  
The Internet

BACKGROUND Given that cognitive decline lacks effective treatment options and has severe implications for healthy aging, Internet use may achieve non-pharmacological relief of cognitive decline through cognitive stimulation and social engagement. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the variety, frequency and type of Internet use and cognitive decline from two theoretical perspectives: the cognitive reserve theory and the stress hypothesis. METHODS Data were obtained from a total of 10,532 survey samples from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) databases wave 3 (2014) and wave 5 (2018). Cognitive function was measured using vocabulary tests, and Internet use was categorized into five aspects: study, work, social, entertainment, and business. Associations between diversity, frequency, and type of Internet use and cognitive decline were estimated by controlling for demographic variables and health status risk factors through fixed-effects models. RESULTS Using the Internet at least once a week for study, work, and entertainment purposes, and for social purposes less than once a week were all associated with better cognitive function. Using the Internet less than once a week for business activity was associated with poorer cognitive function. Using more than one type of Internet at least once a week was associated with better cognitive function. CONCLUSIONS This study shows that breadth and depth of Internet use is positively associated with cognitive function, and that different types of Internet use have different roles in cognitive decline. The importance of the Internet as a non-pharmacological intervention pathway for cognitive decline is emphasized. It is instructive for the development of relevant policies. Future research could explore specific mechanisms of influence.

scholarly journals Behavioral interventions to benefit cognition (Intervenciones cognitivas para beneficiar la cognición)

Retos ◽  
2015 ◽  
pp. 197-202
Author(s):  
Jennifer L. Etnier ◽  
Chia-Hao Shih ◽  
Aaron Piepmeier
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Behavioral Interventions ◽  
Animal Studies ◽  
Exercise Intervention ◽  
Treatment Strategies ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Dietary Interventions ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Age Related

With the growing population of older adults, the identification of treatment strategies to prevent or ameliorate age-related cognitive decline has been an important topic in recent years. After reviewing cross-sectional, longitudinal, and experimentally designed studies, as well as evidence from narrative and meta-analytic reviews, the authors concluded that behavioral approaches such as physical activity, cognitive training, and dietary interventions show promising results. In addition, given the likelihood that multiple underlying mechanisms support cognitive function, research is currently focusing on how to combine lifestyle factors into multi-component interventions to generate greater and more meaningful effects. Though evidence for these enhanced benefits exists from animal studies, few multi-component studies have been performed with humans. However, the findings from these studies are promising and a continued pursuit of multi-component behavioral interventions to benefit cognitive performance is warranted. Given the world’s aging population and accompanying age-related health issues such as cognitive decline and dementia, future research should focus on understanding the biological mechanisms responsible for these effects in order to allow for the development of behavioral lifestyle prescriptions to benefit cognitive performance.Keywords. aging, cognitive function, exercise intervention, oxidative stress, cognitive engagement.Resumen. Con la creciente población de adultos mayores, la identificación de las estrategias de tratamiento para prevenir o mejorar el deterioro cognitivo relacionado con la edad ha sido un tema importante en los últimos años. Después de revisar estudios con diseños transversales, longitudinales y experimentales, así como la evidencia de revisiones de literatura narrativa y meta-analítica, los autores concluyen que los enfoques conductuales como la actividad física, el entrenamiento cognitivo y las intervenciones dietéticas muestran resultados prometedores. Además, dada la probabilidad de que múltiples mecanismos subyacentes apoyan la función cognitiva, las investigaciones se enfocan actualmente en la manera de cómo combinar factores del estilo de vida en las intervenciones con múltiples componentes para generar efectos mayores y más significativos. Aunque existe evidencia de estos beneficios a partir de estudios en animales, se han realizado pocos estudios de componentes múltiples en humanos. Sin embargo, los resultados de estos estudios son prometedores y se garantiza un seguimiento continuo de las intervenciones conductuales de componentes múltiples para beneficiar el rendimiento cognitivo. Teniendo en cuenta el envejecimiento de la población mundial y los problemas de salud relacionados con la edad que la acompañan, tales como el deterioro cognitivo y la demencia, la investigación futura debería centrarse en la comprensión de los mecanismos biológicos responsables de estos efectos con el fin de permitir el desarrollo de las prescripciones de comportamiento de estilo de vida para beneficiar el rendimiento cognitivo.Palabras claves. envejecimiento, funcionamiento cognitivo, intervención con ejercicio, estrés oxidativo, participación cognitiva.

scholarly journals How Do Home Computer Users Browse the Web?

2022 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-27
Author(s):  
Kyle Crichton ◽  
Nicolas Christin ◽  
Lorrie Faith Cranor
Keyword(s):  
Internet Use ◽  
Computer Users ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Home Computer ◽  
Security Behavior ◽  
Browsing Behavior ◽  
The Web ◽  
Analyze Data

With the ubiquity of web tracking, information on how people navigate the internet is abundantly collected yet, due to its proprietary nature, rarely distributed. As a result, our understanding of user browsing primarily derives from small-scale studies conducted more than a decade ago. To provide an broader updated perspective, we analyze data from 257 participants who consented to have their home computer and browsing behavior monitored through the Security Behavior Observatory. Compared to previous work, we find a substantial increase in tabbed browsing and demonstrate the need to include tab information for accurate web measurements. Our results confirm that user browsing is highly centralized, with 50% of internet use spent on 1% of visited websites. However, we also find that users spend a disproportionate amount of time on low-visited websites, areas with a greater likelihood of containing risky content. We then identify the primary gateways to these sites and discuss implications for future research.

scholarly journals The Effects of Cannabis Use on Cognitive Function in Healthy Aging: A Systematic Scoping Review

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nina Pocuca ◽  
T Jordan Walter ◽  
Arpi Minassian ◽  
Jared W Young ◽  
Mark A Geyer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Web Of Science ◽  
Cannabis Use ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Meta Analyses ◽  
Older Populations ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Chronic Doses

Abstract Background Older adults (≥50 years) represent the fastest-growing population of people who use cannabis, potentially due to the increasing promotion of cannabis as medicine by dispensaries and cannabis websites. Given healthy aging and cannabis use are both associated with cognitive decline, it is important to establish the effects of cannabis on cognition in healthy aging. Objective This systematic scoping review used preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines to critically examine the extent of literature on this topic and highlight areas for future research. Method A search of six databases (PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Family and Society Studies Worldwide, and CINAHL) for articles published by September 2019, yielded 1,014 unique results. Results Six articles reported findings for older populations (three human and three rodent studies), highlighting the paucity of research in this area. Human studies revealed largely null results, likely due to several methodological limitations. Better-controlled rodent studies indicate that the relationship between ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cognitive function in healthy aging depends on age and level of THC exposure. Extremely low doses of THC improved cognition in very old rodents. Somewhat higher chronic doses improved cognition in moderately aged rodents. No studies examined the effects of cannabidiol (CBD) or high-CBD cannabis on cognition. Conclusions This systematic scoping review provides crucial, timely direction for future research on this emerging issue. Future research that combines neuroimaging and cognitive assessment would serve to advance understanding of the effects of age and quantity of THC and CBD on cognition in healthy aging.

scholarly journals DOES CHANGE IN INTERNET USE PREDICT PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING AMONG OLDER ADULTS?

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S326-S326
Author(s):  
Ronald W Berkowsky
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Personal Growth ◽  
Internet Use ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Future Research ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Psychological Well Being ◽  
Internet Users ◽  
Additional Control ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Previous work focusing on the relationship between Internet use and quality of life among older adults (aged 65+) has found evidence of various positive impacts. This project expands upon this work by examining the relationship between Internet use and measures of psychological well-being (PWB) including autonomy, environmental mastery, personal growth, positive relations with others, purpose in life, and self-acceptance. The analytic sample is derived from two waves of data (Time 1 = 2004, Time 2 = 2011) taken from the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study and includes a sample of older adults aged~65 at Time 1 (N = 4943). Participants were separated into four categories: those who did not use the Internet at Time 1 or 2, those who used the Internet at Time 1 only, those who used the Internet at Time 2 only, and those who used the Internet at both Time 1 and 2. Regression analyses were performed with the Time 2 PWB measures as the outcomes and the Internet use categories as the primary predictors. Results indicate that while continuous Internet users typically reported higher PWB scores compared to non-users, those who stopped use between Time 1 and 2 also reported higher scores and those who started use between Time 1 and 2 reported lower scores. These results generally held when introducing Time 1 PWB measures as controls, suggesting changes in Internet use may affect PWB but not necessarily in the predicted directions. Additional control variables, potential explanations, and implications for future research are discussed.

Suicide-related Internet use among university students

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. S404-S404
Author(s):  
V. Voros ◽  
P. Osvath ◽  
Z. Szabo ◽  
Z. Nagy ◽  
S. Fekete
Keyword(s):  
University Students ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Internet Use ◽  
Future Research ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Special Role ◽  
Suicidal Thoughts ◽  
Online Help ◽  
Online Activity ◽  
Competing Interest

IntroductionNowadays, mobile and Internet communication is widely used and has a special role in mental health prevention. Besides, websites targeting suicide prevention, pro-suicide contents (methods for suicide, suicide pacts) are also easily available, which may increase the risk for suicide in vulnerable people.AimsOur aim was to assess the relation between Internet use and suicidal behaviour among university students and also to assess online activity regarding suicidal contents and help-seeking behaviour.MethodsSelf-administered questionnaires were completed by university students.ResultsMost of the 101 students who completed the survey use the Internet 3 hours or more a day. They are facing suicidal contents numerous times. Professional websites providing information and the common popular sites were mainly visited, sites providing help were less screened (10%). More than quarter of the students felt discomfort when looking at sites dealing with suicide. Almost one-third of the subjects had suicidal thoughts during their lives and 15% already planned suicide. In case of suicidal thoughts, subjects would seek help mainly from friends and family, but online help-seeking was not preferred.ConclusionsDespite of the extensive Internet use, students rarely seek help for emotional problems on the Internet. Development of websites controlled by professionals is essential, especially for those who would not benefit from traditional psychological/psychiatric care. Future research is needed regarding the characteristics of Internet use and the potentials and limits of help-seeking via the Internet in order to prevent people from pro-suicide websites and to improve professional websites.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

scholarly journals Impact of Internet on Academic Performance of University Students in Pakistan

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (38) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Nimra Nawaz
Keyword(s):  
Academic Achievement ◽  
Academic Performance ◽  
University Students ◽  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Internet Use ◽  
Alternative Hypothesis ◽  
Systematic Sampling ◽  
Future Research ◽  
The Internet ◽  
The Impact

It is impossible to ignore the fact that the internet is the basic need of today’s technological world. Different research shows that individuals across the globe are using information and communication technologies (ICTs) to get the most up-to-date information from the internet. Similarly, university students also spend a lot of time on the internet researching and collecting material relevant to their research topics. Although different research has been conducted on the usage of the internet in different countries, research about Pakistani students is still limited. The major goal of this research was to see how internet usage affects students' academic performance particularly when it comes to increasing their grades. The objective of this research was to determine the type of internet use and the impact of the internet on students' academic achievement. Arts faculty from the University of Punjab Pakistan was selected as the universe of the study and 5 departments of arts were selected by simple random sampling and a sample of 100 students was taken through systematic sampling. The study adopted a survey research design. A questionnaire was developed by the researchers as a tool for data collection. The data was analyzed statistically, which led to the acceptance of the alternative hypothesis. Statistical results are also presented and discussed, and implications for future research are also provided. According to the findings, internet use has a positive impact on student's academic achievement.

Harmful or helpful? The role of the internet in self-harming and suicidal behaviour in young people

2014 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 61-71 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jo Bell
Keyword(s):  
Young People ◽  
Support Groups ◽  
Suicidal Behaviour ◽  
Internet Use ◽  
Information Access ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Future Research ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Self Harm

Purpose – The internet plays an important role in the lives of self-harming and suicidal young people yet little is known about how internet use influences this behaviour. The purpose of this paper is to examine the evidence base with a view to determining directions for future research and practice. Design/methodology/approach – Literature relating to self-harming and suicidal behaviour, young people, and the internet is reviewed with a focus on content and methodology. Findings – The internet provides access to: “how-to” descriptions of suicide; unregulated/illegal online pharmacies; forums to spread this information; access to others seeking to end their own lives. Such sites are believed to elevate risk amongst vulnerable individuals. Conversely, the internet provides access to intervention and prevention activity, online support groups, advice, and personal chat. These can be a key resource in helping young people. There is a lack of consensus on what constitutes harmful and helpful online exchange, often evidenced in disparity between the perceptions of professionals and users. Research limitations/implications – Research is needed to map out a more accurate picture of suicide and self-harm resources on the internet and to establish a consensus about what constitutes harmful and helpful exchange. This needs to be based on: a comprehensive and informed range of search terms; a clear distinction between types of resource; a clear and consistent rationale for distinguishing and categorizing sites; a systematic replicable methodology for plotting the scope, content, accessibility, and popularity of web resources at a given point in time; the views of young people who use these sites, as well as practitioners and professionals. Practical implications – Practitioners need to: regularly assess the quantity, quality, and nature of self-harm/suicide focused internet use amongst service users; be aware of which sites are most appropriate for particular individuals; promote sites directed at young people that enhance effective coping. Professional mental health organizations need to find ways of ensuring that: they are consistently well represented amongst search results online; sites are readily accessible; more practitioners are trained in text-based communications. Originality/value – This paper offers a framework and rationale for future research and for those involved in service provision, policy, and practice.

Online Tool (Brain Assessment) for the Detection of Cognitive Function Changes during Aging

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Masayuki Satoh ◽  
Ken-ichi Tabei ◽  
Saiko Fujita ◽  
Yoshinori Ota
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Normal Aging ◽  
Cognitive Test ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Cognitive Tests ◽  
Repeated Testing ◽  
Cognitive Changes ◽  
Word Memory ◽  
Lifestyle Related Diseases

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> It is well-known that cognitive function declines with age. In order to detect changes in cognitive function, cognitive tests should be performed repeatedly. Currently existing cognitive tests come in only a single version, so the subject is likely to remember the contents with repeated testing. And, under the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), in-person assessment should be avoided. This study was performed to develop a new cognitive test (brain assessment, BA) that has 5 versions and can be performed on a personal computer (PC) through the Internet. <b><i>Materials and Methods:</i></b> Five thousand subjects performed the online BA, which consisted of 5 subtests: number memory, word memory, mental rotation test, N-back test, and judgment test. We standardized the raw scores (cognitive scores, CSs) using mean and standard deviation, which were 50 and 10, respectively. Then, we calculated the mean CS for each sex and age, plotted the relationships between ages and mean CSs on figures, and calculated the formula of cognitive changes during normal aging. <b><i>Results:</i></b> The CSs of all subtests decreased with aging. The regression coefficient was from −0.31 to −0.45. It is noteworthy that in most subtests, the CSs started to increase at 85 years of age. <b><i>Discussion:</i></b> Our BA has 5 versions and can be done on a PC using the Internet. We tested the BA in a large number of subjects, and the standard values of CSs were measured in individuals up to 89 years of age. By performing this test repeatedly, subjects can evaluate the degree of their cognitive decline. If the rate of cognitive decline is greater than that predicted using the normalized formula, the subjects can undertake strategies to improve their control of lifestyle-related diseases or other habits of daily living. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> The BA can be easily taken online using a PC, and its scores linearly declined with normal aging. The BA will be useful for detecting longitudinal cognitive changes and comparing them to the pattern seen in normal aging.

scholarly journals Awareness of eSafety and Potential Online Dangers among Children and Teenagers

10.28945/3864 ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 16 ◽  
pp. 319-338 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gila Cohen Zilka
Keyword(s):  
Internet Use ◽  
Leisure Activities ◽  
Individual Case ◽  
Future Research ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
Use Of The Internet ◽  
High Level ◽  
And Behavior ◽  
The Impact

Aim/Purpose: Awareness of eSafety and potential online dangers for children and teenagers. Background The study examined eSafety among children and teenagers from their own perspectives, through evaluations of their awareness level of eSafety and of potential online dangers. Methodology: This is a mixed-method study with both quantitative and qualitative elements. The study includes questionnaires and interviews. A total of 345 participants from Israel completed questionnaires; 90 children and teenagers were interviewed from among the participants. Contribution: The study examined the awareness of children and youths of safe online surfing. It also examined the degree of exposure of children and youths to positive and negative aspects of the Internet. This study illustrates the dual potential of Internet use within the context of eSafety, as seen through the eyes of children and teenagers. Characteristics of use of the Internet are liable to increase the danger to and the bullying of youths and by youths in the digital domain. It also demonstrates the promises of using the Internet for productive learning and leisure activities. Findings: Findings show that the children and teenagers who participated in the study reported a medium-high level of awareness. Issues that participants were concerned about included avoiding contact with strangers and cyberbullying, not necessarily by strangers, but also by friends. Recommendations for Practitioners : It is important to examine how children perceive online events for the purpose of examining their statements regarding eSafety and the way they view problematic or dangerous online events, as well as how they believe they can cope with them. Recommendation for Researchers: The study recommends incorporating in future studies individual case studies and allowing participants to express how they perceive complex online situations. Impact on Society: This study illustrates the dual potential, positive and negative aspects, of Internet use within the context of eSafety, as seen through the eyes of children and teenagers. Future Research: Future studies should track changing eSafety awareness and behavior longitudinally to identify the impact of maturation and experience on their behavior and attitudes.

scholarly journals Predictors of Internet Use Among Older Adults With Diabetes in South Korea: Survey Study (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sunhee Park ◽  
Beomsoo Kim
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Internet Use ◽  
Information And Communications Technology ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Training Experience ◽  
Nationally Representative

BACKGROUND Internet access in Korea has grown dramatically over the past two decades. However, disparities in internet use, referred to as the second level of the digital divide, persist. OBJECTIVE This study aims to examine opportunity, motivation, and health variables that indicate internet use among older adults with diabetes. METHODS Data were sourced from a nationally representative sample of people 65 years and older with diabetes (N=1919). Logistic regression was used to explore potential differences in predictor variables between internet users and nonusers. RESULTS Only 306 of the 1919 (15.95%) participants in the sample used the internet. They were more likely to be younger (odds ratio [OR] 0.89, 95% CI 0.87-0.92), well-educated (OR 1.20, 95% CI 1.16-1.26), and able to afford leisure expenditures (OR 1.02, 95% CI 1.01-1.04). Additionally, they had more information and communications technology (ICT) training experience, were motivated to learn, volunteered, and reported good physical and cognitive function. Participation in ICT education and better health more positively correlated with a higher rate of internet use than did years of education or economic standing in older adults with diabetes. CONCLUSIONS To support older adults with diabetes in the internet age, policies and health care providers should focus on digital competency training as well as physical and cognitive function.

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