In February, the China Internet Network Information Center released its 47th report on China's Internet development. As of December 2020, the number of Internet users reached 989 million. Teenagers and seniors are the groups boasting major growth. Despite the increase in elderly users being a positive sign they are embracing new technologies, issues such as Internet addiction among the elderly should not be ignored.

Along with Internet usage, apps such as WeChat also bring increased opportunities for senior citizens. In addition to traditional communication channels, WeChat's voice message and video chat functions have lowered the threshold for communication, through which the elderly can access information and emotional support.

However, an increasing number of seniors are becoming addicted to watching videos, playing Internet games and other online activities. Some even lose sleep due to their habits.

Addressing this problem requires communities to carry out online education to guide the elderly toward a reasonable use of the Internet. Governments at all levels should work with social agencies to create offline entertainment, study and communication activities.

(Print Edition Title: "Growing" Pains)

This is an edited excerpt of an article originally published in Guangming Daily on April 19