Loneliness partially mediates the relationship between Internet access and cognitive function in late adulthood: A cross-lagged panel analysis

Previous studies have shown an association between Internet access and cognitive function, and have also found that loneliness is a precursor to cognitive impairment. However, little is known about the bidirectional relationship between Internet access and cognitive function, and the potential mechanisms that underlie these three variables. This study examined the reciprocal relationship between Internet access and cognitive function, as well as the mediating role of loneliness among middle-aged and older Chinese adults. Data were derived from four waves (2011, 2013, 2015, and 2018) of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. A total of 6578 participants aged 50 and above with complete cognitive test data at baseline were selected for the analysis. Cross-lagged panel models were applied to explore the relationship between Internet access and cognitive function, with attention to the mediating role of loneliness. Reciprocal 4-wave lagged associations between Internet access and cognitive function, and the partial mediating role of loneliness were found in this study, controlling for all covariates. Increased Internet access predicts better cognitive function over time, and vice versa. Notably, this association was partially mediated by loneliness, indicating that more Internet access was associated with reduced loneliness, which was then associated with better cognitive performance. This suggests that Internet access can influence individuals' cognitive function by impacting their feelings of loneliness. Multidisciplinary interventions utilizing digital connections to alleviate loneliness, enhance cognitive resilience, and delay cognitive decline may thus contribute to healthier aging in the digital era. •Analyzing longitudinal relations of Internet access, loneliness, and cognitive function.•The reciprocal relationships of Internet access and cognitive function were warranted.•Heightened Internet access predicts improved cognitive performance over time, and vice versa.•Loneliness is found to play a partial mediating role in the association between Internet access and cognitive function.