From digital access to social connectedness: the digital divide, bonding social capital, and depressive symptoms among older adults in China

Introduction: As population aging and digital transformation continue simultaneously in China, the digital divide among older adults has become an increasingly important social issue. This study examines the associations between multiple dimensions of the digital divide and depressive symptoms among older adults, as well as the potential role of bonding social capital. Methods: Drawing on three waves of data from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS, 2018-2022), this study employs two-way fixed effects models and mediation analyses to examine the relationships between digital access, digital usage, digital outcomes, and depressive symptoms among older adults. Robustness checks were further conducted using propensity score matching (PSM), sample restriction adjustments, and replacement of the dependent variable. Results: Internet access was significantly associated with lower levels of depressive symptoms among older adults (p < 0.05). Compared with non-Internet users, entertainment-oriented, instrument-oriented, and mixed Internet use were all significantly associated with lower depressive symptoms (all p < 0.05). Digital outcomes were also negatively associated with depressive symptoms (p < 0.01). Bonding social capital showed significant indirect pathways linking all dimensions of the digital divide and depressive symptoms, with mediating proportions ranging from 5.95% to 26.67%. Period heterogeneity analyses further indicated that the associations remained generally stable before and during the COVID-19 period, although mixed Internet use exhibited a significant structural difference across periods (p = 0.036). Discussion: The findings suggest that the digital divide is closely associated with the mental well-being of older adults, while bonding social capital constitutes an important social pathway linking digital engagement and psychological health. Policy efforts should move beyond technological access toward broader digital empowerment and the construction of a more inclusive digital society for aging populations.