Association between use of a local event information app and well-being among adults in Japan

Background Social connection supports subjective well-being, yet face-to-face interaction has declined, increasing social isolation. Digital tools that help residents find local activities may promote social participation, but evidence is mixed. This study investigated whether an app providing local event information enhances well-being among users. Methods We conducted a longitudinal comparative study in Kashiwa-no-ha, Japan (December 22, 2023–February 23, 2024), including 416 adults aged 20–64 years. Web surveys were administered before the app launch and at study completion. Primary and secondary outcomes were subjective happiness and life satisfaction (0–10 scales). Exposure was active app use; inactive users served as the reference. Linear regression estimated adjusted coefficients with 95% confidence intervals, controlling for gender, education, marital status, living alone, self-rated health, years of residence, and baseline outcome. Analyses were stratified into young (20–44) and middle-aged (45–64) groups. Results Nineteen participants (4.6%) were active users; 10 (52.6%) were young adults, who reported increased participation in parenting events. In adjusted models, active users showed higher happiness (β=0.54, 95% CI −0.13 to 1.21; p=0.117) and life satisfaction (β=0.32, 95% CI −0.38 to 1.03; p=0.370), although these were not statistically significant overall. Among young adults, active use was significantly associated with higher happiness (β=1.38, 95% CI 0.39 to 2.37; p=0.006); no significant effects were observed among middle-aged adults. Conclusions An app disseminating comprehensive local event information may promote social participation and enhance happiness, particularly among younger adults.