The relationship of social media on quality of life and public health: A cross-sectional study on digital divide across generations

Objectives: This study aims to examine the relationship between Social Media Use (SMU), Social Media Needs (SMN), and Quality of Life (QoL) among middle-aged and older adults in Nepal, highlighting generational aspects of the digital divide.Study Design: A cross-sectional quantitative study design was employed to assess generational differences in social media usage and perceived quality of life among middle-aged and older adults in an urban Nepali setting.Methods: A purposive sample of 1,000 individuals aged 45 and above, residing in Kathmandu Metropolitan City, was surveyed. Standardized instruments, including the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) and the Social Networking Sites Uses and Needs (SNSUN) questionnaire, were administered in Nepali and English. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including regression analysis, were performed using SPSS. Ethical approval was obtained from the Nepal Health Research Council (Ref no. 3039). Results: Among participants, 60% used Facebook and 76.5% used YouTube daily. However, over 60% scored low on diversion, cognitive, affective, personal integrative, and social integrative needs. While 64.4% rated their overall QoL as good, 63% were dissatisfied with physical health, and 51% reported poor psychological well-being. Environmental quality was rated fair or poor by 55%. Weak correlations were found between socio-demographic factors and QoL or SMU/SMN patterns. Conclusions: Despite frequent use of popular social platforms, older adults in Nepal report low social media needs and dissatisfaction in key health domains. Addressing physical, psychological, and environmental deficits alongside digital literacy and tailored content may improve QoL outcomes. Findings suggest targeted interventions across generations.