What do we know about the relationship between Internet mediated interaction and social isolation and loneliness in later life?

Social isolation and loneliness are recognised social, health and wellbeing problems that particularly affect later life. They have been the subject of many recent studies. Studies examining the role of the Internet in addressing these problems have increased. However, it is still unknown whether Internet-mediated social interaction has a role in mitigating social isolation and/or loneliness or not. To address this gap, this study reviews previous research that investigates the relationship between Internet use for communication and social isolation and loneliness. It reviews the empirical literature published since 2000 and expands on previous literature reviews by including a variety of research designs and disciplines. Despite the recent growth of studies there is still little evidence to demonstrate Internet effects on social isolation and loneliness. It is concluded that future research programmes aimed at reducing them by the use of the Internet should include more robust methodological and theoretical frameworks, employ longitudinal research designs and provide a more nuanced description of both the social phenomena (social isolation and loneliness) and Internet-mediated social interaction