Problematic internet use and aggression in Chinese middle school students: mediation effect of reality social connectedness

Jul 30, 2025Frontiers in public health

Problematic Internet Use and Aggression in Chinese Middle School Students Linked by Real-Life Social Connections

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Abstract

Students with (PIU) scored significantly higher on measures compared to those without PIU.

  • All four dimensions of aggression—verbal aggression, physical aggression, hostility, and anger—were elevated in students with PIU.
  • (RSC) was significantly lower among individuals experiencing PIU.
  • RSC mediated 18.89% of the total effect between PIU and aggression.
  • The strongest mediating effect of RSC was observed for hostility, followed by anger and physical aggression, with verbal aggression showing the weakest mediation.

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Key numbers

83.0 (70.0 to 91.0) vs. 61.0 (48.0 to 74.0)
Increase in Scores
Median scores for vs. healthy adolescents
18.89%
Mediation Effect of
Percentage of total effect accounted for by
23.64%
Subtype Mediation
Mediation effect of on hostility

Full Text

What this is

  • This research examines the relationship between () and among Chinese middle school students.
  • It investigates the mediating role of () in this relationship.
  • The study uses data from a large survey conducted across four provinces in China.

Essence

  • is linked to increased in middle school students, with mediating this relationship.

Key takeaways

  • Students with scored higher on measures, indicating a clear association between and aggressive behaviors.
  • was significantly lower among students with and mediated the relationship between and , explaining 18.89% of the total effect.
  • Among subtypes, had the strongest mediating effect on hostility, followed by anger and physical , while verbal showed the weakest mediation.

Caveats

  • The study's cross-sectional design limits the ability to establish causal relationships between , , and .
  • Self-reported measures may be influenced by social desirability bias, potentially affecting the validity of the responses.
  • The findings may not be generalizable due to geographic and cultural diversity within the Chinese adolescent population.

Definitions

  • Problematic Internet Use (PIU): Excessive internet use that interferes with daily life and is associated with negative psychological outcomes.
  • Reality Social Connectedness (RSC): The sense of belonging and psychological bond individuals feel in real-world relationships.
  • Aggression: Behavior that is intended to harm another individual, encompassing physical aggression, verbal aggression, hostility, and anger.

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