Title: Does using short video apps reduce people's satisfaction with life quality? Evidence from China

Authors: Wenze Tian; Xiaoyu Wang

Addresses: School of Social Development, Tianjin University of Technology, Tianjin, 300384, China ' School of Public Administration, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China

Abstract: Few people have studied the value orientation of short video users. This study aims to scrutinise the impact of short video applications (apps) on individuals' satisfaction with life quality and to validate the underlying mechanisms. Empirical analyses were conducted using data from the 2020 China Family Panel Studies, which included participants aged 16 to 69 years (N = 7,257). Results show that engagement with short video apps reduces people's satisfaction. This effect is more noticeable in urban residents, those under 45, and individuals with a minimum of high school education. Notably, using short video apps most significantly impacts satisfaction concerning the wealth gap issues. Additionally, social trust and negative emotions significantly mediated the relationship between the daily use of short video apps and people's satisfaction with life quality. These findings underscore the need for vigilance regarding the influence of various short video apps on public perceptions, and fostering a positive online environment.

Keywords: short video applications; satisfaction of life quality; social trust; negative emotions; China.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMC.2026.156863

International Journal of Mobile Communications, 2026 Vol.28 No.4, pp.400 - 418

Received: 15 Dec 2024
Accepted: 26 Dec 2025
Published online: 09 Oct 2026 *

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