From information overload to health information avoidance among Chinese adults aged 50 years and above: the association of self-perceptions of aging and techno-exhaustion

BACKGROUND: In the era of digital health, online health consultation platforms have become vital resources. However, the complex information environment is often associated with defensive user behaviors. This study investigates the factors correlated with health information avoidance among middle-aged and older adults within the information overload environment of these platforms. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in China, yielding 249 valid responses from individuals aged 50 and above. Drawing on the Stressor-Strain-Outcome (S-S-O) framework, the study examined the structural relationships between information overload (stressor), psychological strains (privacy concerns, techno-exhaustion, and fear of missing out), and health information avoidance (outcome). RESULTS: The findings demonstrated that information overload was positively associated with privacy concerns, techno-exhaustion, and fear of missing out. Among these psychological strains, techno-exhaustion showed a direct association with health information avoidance behavior. Furthermore, self-perceptions of aging moderated several relationships within the S-S-O framework, suggesting that aging-related attitudes may shape how environmental stressors relate to psychological strain. CONCLUSIONS: Information overload environments show an indirect association with health information avoidance behaviors through heightened psychological strain. The results highlight the necessity for online health consultation platforms to prioritize aging-adaptive optimizations and psychological support mechanisms to mitigate user fatigue and promote digital health inclusion for middle-aged and older adults.