More seniors in China growing addicted to the internet; loneliness, boredom cited as key reasons

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their parents are hooked on buying low-priced health products online and spend hours watching paid mini-dramas on short-video platforms....indulging in “ridiculously unreasonable” mini-dramas or computer games and spending large sums of money on online purchases.

as at December 2025, China had about 1.125 billion internet users, with more than 80 per cent of the population having internet access.

Seniors tend to play less important social roles as they age, either in their families or in the job market, and they may feel a sense of loss. The internet becomes an outlet, offering a place to escape from the real world

As artificial intelligence advances and further blurs the line between real and fake content, experts warned that seniors addicted to the internet may face increased risks of online fraud.

It is very important to help seniors regain a sense of personal value, whether by taking care of grandchildren, raising a pet or building social relationships in the real world.

Qn: To what extent is technology an effective solution for human loneliness? (RVHS Prelim 2025)