Extending Theory of Planned Behavior to Predict TikTok Addiction Behavior among Chinese Users

The rise of short-form video apps, such as TikTok, has led to concerns about their addictive nature, particularly among middle-aged and elderly users. This study investigates the TikTok addiction behavior model among Chinese middle-aged and elderly users. A quantitative approach was employed, using a survey questionnaire to collect data from 163 participants. Partial Least Squares and Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) software was used to analyze the data. The study integrated the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and the Flow Theory (FT) to develop a comprehensive model of addiction behavior. The results provide valuable insights into TikTok addiction behavior among middle-aged and elderly users. The study’s findings contribute to media-related research, providing insights for policymakers to develop strategies for overcoming addictive tendencies. The research highlights the importance of promoting healthy TikTok usage among middle-aged and elderly users.