A double-edged sword effect: the implications of Internet exposure for Netizens’ tolerant attitudes toward people living with HIV/AIDS

Enhancing societal tolerance towards people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) is crucial for curbing the spread of the disease. We investigate the impact of Internet exposure on netizens' tolerant attitudes toward PLWHA. We analyzed data from 11,927 netizens surveyed in the Chinese Social Survey (CSS) conducted in 2017, 2019, and 2021. An ordered probit model was employed to examine the direct association between Internet exposure and netizens' tolerant attitudes toward PLWHA. During this period, Chinese netizens' tolerant attitudes toward PLWHA have increased. Internet exposure enhances netizens' tolerant attitudes toward PLWHA. Social participation mediates the positive impact of Internet exposure on netizens' attitudes toward PLWHA. Additionally, subjective social status amplifies the beneficial influence of Internet exposure and social participation on these attitudes. Male netizens derive greater benefits from social participation in fostering tolerance toward PLWHA compared to female netizens. Additionally, Internet exposure exhibits a double-edged sword effect on netizens' tolerant attitudes toward PLWHA. This study represents the first systematic investigation into the impact of Internet exposure on netizens' tolerant attitudes toward PLWHA, which is conducive to improving the social status and health welfare of PLWHA.