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The Influence of Group Psychology on Network Cluster Behavior: A Moderated Mediation Model
Jianjun Ni1, Zhangbo Xiong2, Mingzheng Wu3
1Teacher Work Department, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China.
Behavioral Sciences (Basel, Switzerland)
|March 28, 2026
Summary
Group psychology significantly influences college students' online behavior. Factors like emotional infection and group polarization drive participation in network cluster behavior, impacting online public opinion formation.
Area of Science:
- Social Psychology
- Media Studies
- Sociology
Background:
- The rise of new media and social platforms facilitates the rapid spread of social hotspots and sensitive events online.
- College students are particularly susceptible to online discussions, forming collective opinions and engaging in network cluster behavior.
- Understanding the psychological drivers behind this behavior is crucial for comprehending online public opinion dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of group psychology on college students' participation in network cluster behavior.
- To identify specific group psychological factors that predict online collective behavior among students.
- To explore the mediating and moderating roles of certain psychological constructs in this process.
Main Methods:
- A survey was administered to 2137 college students across multiple universities in China.
- Data analysis involved correlation analysis to examine relationships between variables.
- Moderated mediation models were employed to test complex psychological pathways.
Main Results:
- Several group psychological factors, including emotional infection, depersonalization, spiral of silence, relative deprivation, group polarization, and action mobilization, were found to positively predict network cluster behavior.
- Action mobilization by opinion leaders mediated the link between emotional infection and network cluster behavior.
- Group polarization mediated the relationship between the spiral of silence and network cluster behavior.
- Group efficacy moderated the association between group polarization and network cluster behavior.
Conclusions:
- Group psychological dynamics play a significant role in shaping college students' engagement with online cluster behavior.
- Emotional contagion and opinion leadership, as well as the spiral of silence and group polarization, are key mechanisms influencing collective online actions.
- The findings highlight the complex interplay of individual psychology, group dynamics, and social media in the formation of online public opinion among students.
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