From Scrolling to Connecting: Don't Doomscroll Your Way to Depression

Researchers from the Rutgers School of Social Work surveyed more than 2,500 adults ages 60 and older about smartphone habits, communication preferences, and participation in social activities.

The strongest predictor of depression was limited social participation, followed by problematic smartphone use—phone use that becomes so excessive or compulsive that it interferes with daily life.

The researchers also found that how people use their phones matters. Video calls, messaging loved ones, and sharing photos were associated with better well-being. In contrast, long periods of solitary scrolling, watching videos, or playing games were more closely associated with withdrawal.

Rutgers professor Chien-Chung Huang, a senior author of the study, described the difference as “purposeful interaction versus compulsive escapism.” A smartphone can bridge the distance to loved ones—or, when it replaces real-world interaction, become another source of isolation.

It’s Not Just About Screen Time

The study does not prove that heavy smartphone use causes depression. Because researchers looked at participants at one point in time, it’s also possible that people who are already lonely or depressed turn to their phones more often.

The relationship may work both ways: loneliness can lead to more screen time, which can crowd out real-world activities and social connections, potentially deepening isolation.

The goal, then, isn't to get older adults off their phones. It's to help them use technology in ways that support connection.

5 Ways to Make Phone Time More Meaningful

1. Choose conversation over scrolling.
Whenever possible, use your phone to call, video chat, or message someone rather than spending long stretches consuming content.

2. Make family connection a habit.
A family group chat or weekly video call gives you a reason to check in, share photos, and stay involved in one another's lives.

3. Pay attention to what your phone is replacing.
There isn't necessarily a magic number of "healthy" screen-time hours. More important is whether phone use is taking the place of friendships, hobbies, outings, or activities you enjoy.

4. Keep your social life active.
Clubs, classes, shared meals, community events, hobbies, and visits with friends provide the kind of connection a screen can't fully replace. For residents of a continuing care retirement community, opportunities to socialize can be part of everyday life—from joining a fitness class or activity to sharing a meal with neighbors or simply stopping for a conversation.

5. Get help with technology when you need it.
A little assistance with video calling, group messaging, notifications, or other settings can make a smartphone easier to use intentionally—and less distracting.

Connect More, Scroll Less

A smartphone isn't inherently good or bad for mental health. What matters is the role it plays in our lives. Used to reach out, it can strengthen relationships and ease loneliness. Used primarily to retreat, it may reinforce isolation. And sometimes, the best reason to put the phone down is knowing there's somewhere to go and people to see.

The next time you pick up your phone, ask yourself: Am I connecting—or just scrolling?