Psychological Fatigue or Satisfaction? The Impact of Online Office App Use on Job Performance: Differentiating Work-Related and Non-Work-Related Contexts

Media psychological fatigue, a common negative behavior among employees using online office applications (apps), has a significant impact on job satisfaction and performance. This study explores the influence of online office app use on job performance, differentiating between work-related and non-work-related contexts, based on the Uses and Gratifications Theory and the Stimulus-Organism-Response Theory. Data were collected from 418 employees in 11 enterprises in mainland China through random sampling. Harman's single-factor test was utilized to evaluate common method bias. Regression analysis, bootstrap tests, and structural equation modeling (SEM) were used to analyze variable relationships and mediating effects. The results showed that work-related online office app use did not cause psychological fatigue or satisfaction, non-work-related app use enhanced job performance by improving job satisfaction, media psychological fatigue negatively affected job satisfaction and performance, psychological fatigue partially mediated the relationship between app use and job performance, and job satisfaction was essential for alleviating work-related fatigue and facilitating non-work-related use. This research emphasizes the dual influence of online office app use on employee perceptions and performance. Enterprises should focus on work-related app functions and foster a positive social environment with entertainment elements to encourage non-work-related use, reducing psychological fatigue and enhancing job satisfaction and performance.