Information Cocoons on Short Video Platforms and Its Influence on Depression Among the Elderly: A Moderated Mediation Model

BACKGROUND: As the elderly increasingly engage with new media, particularly short video platforms, concerns are arising about the formation of “information cocoons” that limit exposure to diverse perspectives. While the impact of these cocoons on society has been investigated, their effects on the mental well-being of the elderly remain understudied. Given the prevalence of depression among the elderly, it is crucial to understand the potential link between information cocoons and depression among older adults. METHODS: The study examined the relationships between information cocoons and depression, loneliness, and family emotional support among 400 Chinese elderly people. The statistical software package SPSS was used to establish a moderated mediation model between information cocoons and depression. RESULTS: Information cocoons directly predicted depression among the elderly participants. Family emotional support moderated the first half and the second half of the mediation process, whereby information cocoons affected the depression of the elderly through loneliness. Specifically, in the first half of the mediation process, when the level of information cocoons was lower, the role of family emotional support was more prominent. In the second half of the process, when the level of family emotional support was higher, such support played a more protective role in the impact of loneliness on depression. DISCUSSION: The findings of this study have practical implications for addressing depression among the elderly population. Understanding the influence of information cocoons on depression can inform interventions aimed at promoting diverse information access and reducing social isolation. These results will contribute to the development of targeted strategies to improve the mental well-being of older adults in the context of evolving media landscapes.