Associations of internet use and specific patterns with cognitive function in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Abstract
BackgroundGlobal aging is accompanied by cognitive decline. While the “technological reserve” hypothesis suggests internet use may mitigate this, prior meta-analyses have not clarified the specific effects of different usage patterns. This study aims to systematically evaluate associations between distinct dimensions of internet use and cognitive function in older adults.MethodsConducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines, we searched PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Web of Science from inception to March 15, 2026. Two Reviewers independently extracted data. Pooled Odds Ratios (ORs) or Hazard Ratios (HRs) served as primary effect measures; Correlation coefficients (r) or standardized beta coefficients (β) were converted into unified OR-scale estimates for meta-analysis, acknowledging inherent limitations introduced by combining mixed effect measures from original studies.ResultsThirty-one studies comprising 158,648 participants (cross-sectional and longitudinal observational designs) were included. The random-effects meta-analysis of 25 studies yielded a pooled OR of 1.49 (95% CI: 1.31–1.70), indicating general internet use was significantly associated with better cognitive function (z = 5.97, P < 0.001). Substantial heterogeneity was observed (I2 = 99.51%). A 95% prediction interval (1.15–1.93) was further calculated to quantify uncertainty. Subgroup analyses showed significant positive associations for social (OR = 1.55), entertainment (OR = 1.46), and instrumental use (OR = 1.38). However, meta-regression revealed no statistically significant differences among these categories (F(2, 24) = 0.36, P = 0.63). Sensitivity analysis excluding outliers yielded a similar pooled point estimate, although substantial heterogeneity persisted. (pooled OR = 1.46, 95% CI: 1.29–1.67).ConclusionsInternet use was positively associated with better cognitive function among older adults. This positive association was observed across social, entertainment, and instrumental internet use patterns. Given high between study heterogeneity and the observational nature of available evidence, further longitudinal and interventional research is needed to clarify whether diverse digital engagement may support healthy cognitive aging.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/recorddashboard, identifier: CRD420261359423.
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BibTeX
@article{wu2026associations,
title = {{Associations of internet use and specific patterns with cognitive function in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis}},
author = {Senlin Wu and Yunlan Jiang and Xiaoyu Bai and Mengjie Zhang and Hong Chen and Jing Wang and Le Li and Yuelin Wang},
journal = {Frontiers in Public Health},
year = {2026},
month = nov,
doi = {10.3389/fpubh.2026.1926200},
url = {https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2026.1926200},
note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Associations of internet use and specific patterns with cognitive function in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis
AU - Senlin Wu
AU - Yunlan Jiang
AU - Xiaoyu Bai
AU - Mengjie Zhang
AU - Hong Chen
AU - Jing Wang
AU - Le Li
AU - Yuelin Wang
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/11/06
JO - Frontiers in Public Health
DO - 10.3389/fpubh.2026.1926200
UR - https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2026.1926200
AB - BackgroundGlobal aging is accompanied by cognitive decline. While the “technological reserve” hypothesis suggests internet use may mitigate this, prior meta-analyses have not clarified the specific effects of different usage patterns. This study aims to systematically evaluate associations between distinct dimensions of internet use and cognitive function in older adults.MethodsConducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines, we searched PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Web of Science from inception to March 15, 2026. Two Reviewers independently extracted data. Pooled Odds Ratios (ORs) or Hazard Ratios (HRs) served as primary effect measures; Correlation coefficients (r) or standardized beta coefficients (β) were converted into unified OR-scale estimates for meta-analysis, acknowledging inherent limitations introduced by combining mixed effect measures from original studies.ResultsThirty-one studies comprising 158,648 participants (cross-sectional and longitudinal observational designs) were included. The random-effects meta-analysis of 25 studies yielded a pooled OR of 1.49 (95% CI: 1.31–1.70), indicating general internet use was significantly associated with better cognitive function (z = 5.97, P < 0.001). Substantial heterogeneity was observed (I2 = 99.51%). A 95% prediction interval (1.15–1.93) was further calculated to quantify uncertainty. Subgroup analyses showed significant positive associations for social (OR = 1.55), entertainment (OR = 1.46), and instrumental use (OR = 1.38). However, meta-regression revealed no statistically significant differences among these categories (F(2, 24) = 0.36, P = 0.63). Sensitivity analysis excluding outliers yielded a similar pooled point estimate, although substantial heterogeneity persisted. (pooled OR = 1.46, 95% CI: 1.29–1.67).ConclusionsInternet use was positively associated with better cognitive function among older adults. This positive association was observed across social, entertainment, and instrumental internet use patterns. Given high between study heterogeneity and the observational nature of available evidence, further longitudinal and interventional research is needed to clarify whether diverse digital engagement may support healthy cognitive aging.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/recorddashboard, identifier: CRD420261359423.
SN - 2296-2565
ER -