The Role of Loneliness, Boredom, and Emotion Regulation in Short Video Addiction Among Chinese University Students

Abstract

Purpose: Previous research shows the widespread and excessive use of short video apps among university students, which impairs their academic performance, relationship quality, and physical and mental health. However, the mechanisms behind short video addiction remain underexplored. Therefore, this study aims to determine the direct and indirect effects of loneliness on short video addiction, with boredom as a mediator and emotion regulation as a moderator, among Chinese university students. Research design: This study will use a quantitative approach to achieve the research objective, collecting data through self-reported survey questionnaires that include measures of loneliness, short video addiction, boredom, and emotion regulation. Multiple regression analysis will assess the relationships. Results: The theoretical framework suggests that loneliness positively predicts short video addiction. Boredom plays a mediator in this dynamic in which users with greater loneliness experience increased boredom, which in turn results in short video addiction. Furthermore, emotion regulation moderates the relationship between loneliness and boredom. Conclusions: The findings contribute to the literature on short video addiction and offer valuable insights for educators, mental health professionals, and policymakers, informing the creation of interventions aimed at improving emotion regulation to prevent and reduce short video addiction.