Abstract
INTRODUCTION: The retiree group tend to suffer "digital gap" and "digital indulgence" at the same time. This study aims to examine how such double-edged effects will shape the social integration of retirement migrants. Based on the Self-Determination Theory and the Uses and Gratifications Theory, a conceptual framework was proposed where the impact of digital literacy is mediated by tourist empowerment and smartphone addiction. METHODS: This framework was tested using survey data gathered from 369 Chinese retirement migrants. Data were collected using convenience sampling and analyzed using SPSS 23.0 and AMOS 23.0. RESULT: Findings reveal the following key insights: (1) Digital literacy significantly enhances the social integration of retirement migrants; (2) Tourist empowerment acts as a mediator in the positive correlation between digital literacy and social integration; (3) Smartphone addiction detrimentally influences the lifestyle habits dimension of social integration among retirement migrants. DISCUSSION: This study was amongst the first to approach the double-edged effects of digital literacy, and the findings could be conducive to improving the welfare of retirees.