Department of Psychology, School of Education, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China.
International Gaming Research Unit, Psychology Department, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham NG1 4FQ, UK.
Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Jul 6;18(14):7247. doi: 10.3390/ijerph18147247.
Watching online videos (including short-form videos) has become the most popular leisure activity in China. However, a few studies have reported the potential negative effects of online video watching behaviors (including the potential for 'addiction') among a minority of individuals. The present study investigated online video watching behaviors, motivational factors for watching online videos, and potentially addictive indicators of watching online videos. Semi-structured interviews were conducted among 20 young Chinese adults. Qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Eight themes were identified comprising: (i) content is key; (ii) types of online video watching; (iii) platform function hooks; (iv) personal interests; (v) watching becoming habitual; (vi) social interaction needs; (vii) reassurance needs; and (viii) addiction-like symptoms. Specific video content (e.g., mukbang, pornography), platform-driven continuous watching, and short-form videos were perceived by some participants as being potentially addictive. Specific features or content on Chinese online video platforms (e.g., 'Danmu' scrolling comments) need further investigation. Future studies should explore users' addictive-like behaviors in relation to specific types of online video content and their social interaction on these platforms.
观看在线视频（包括短视频）已成为中国人最受欢迎的休闲活动。然而，少数研究报告称，少数人存在观看在线视频行为（包括“成瘾”的可能性）的潜在负面影响。本研究调查了在线视频观看行为、观看在线视频的动机因素以及可能存在的成瘾迹象。研究对 20 名中国年轻人进行了半结构化访谈。采用主题分析法对定性数据进行分析。确定了八个主题，包括：（i）内容是关键；（ii）观看在线视频的类型；（iii）平台功能钩子；（iv）个人兴趣；（v）观看变得习惯化；（vi）社交互动需求；（vii）安心需求；以及（viii）类似成瘾的症状。一些参与者认为特定的视频内容（例如，吃播、色情内容）、平台驱动的连续观看以及短视频可能具有成瘾性。中国在线视频平台上的某些特定功能或内容（例如，弹幕滚动评论）需要进一步研究。未来的研究应探讨用户与特定类型的在线视频内容及其在这些平台上的社交互动相关的类似成瘾的行为。
