Associations Between Short-Video Platform Use and Health Across Health Distribution and Usage Behaviors in China:...

Area of Science:

• Digital Health
• Public Health
• Health Informatics

Background:

• Short-video platforms are prevalent, yet their health associations across diverse user groups and behaviors are not well understood.
• Algorithmic curation and passive consumption characterize these platforms, raising questions about their impact on user well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the associations between short-video platform use and health outcomes.
• To examine how these relationships differ based on health status, usage behaviors, and socioeconomic status.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study in China (July-September 2024) involving 7725 adults (average age 65.49 years).
• Data collected via face-to-face interviews using structured questionnaires measuring self-rated health and relative health deprivation.
• Quantile and linear regression analyses explored associations between platform use (duration, frequency, purpose) and health, with socioeconomic status as a moderator.

Main Results:

• Short-video platform users showed better self-rated health at higher quantiles but worse health at the lowest quantile.
• Longer engagement (≥3 years) correlated with lower relative health deprivation, while 1-4 hours daily use was linked to poorer self-rated health and higher deprivation.
• Using platforms for multiple purposes (2+) was associated with better health outcomes; socioeconomic status moderated the duration-health relationship.

Conclusions:

• The impact of short-video platforms on health is complex, varying significantly with usage patterns and individual health status.
• Findings emphasize that *how* and *why* individuals use these platforms are critical, not just access or frequency.
• Targeted digital well-being policies are needed to protect vulnerable groups and promote equitable digital inclusion through intentional use.