2020 Volume 43 Issue 4 Pages 397-408
The aim of this study was to conduct panel surveys at two points in time on people ranging in age from their teens to 70s and compare the effects of internet use among different generations on their offline interpersonal relationships and psychological withdrawal. Our analysis revealed that there were differences among adolescent, adult, and elderly generations in variables concerning internet use, offline interpersonal relationships, and psychological withdrawal. With regard to the effect of internet use on the latter two characteristics, our results indicated the possibility that such use may partially worsen offline interpersonal relationships, leading to the onset of psychological withdrawal in adolescents. Aside from that, however, more frequent use of the internet generally promoted offline interpersonal relationships and reduced psychological withdrawal.
