Problematic Short Video Use and Anxiety in Chinese University Students: A Mediation Analysis of Leisure Boredom

This study aims to explore the relationship between problematic short video use and anxiety among university students, as well as the mediating role of leisure boredom in this association. A questionnaire survey was conducted to collect data. Instruments included a self-developed demographic questionnaire, the Problematic Short Video Use Scale for College Students, the Leisure Boredom Scale, and an anxiety questionnaire. Among the 442 questionnaires collected, those with abnormal response times or patterned answering were excluded, resulting in 413 valid responses, yielding a valid response rate of 93.439%. SPSS software was used to organize and analyze the data, and the results showed that: (1) Problematic short video (PSV) use significantly and positively predicted students' levels of anxiety; (2) PSV use significantly and positively predicted levels of leisure boredom; (3) Leisure boredom significantly and positively predicted anxiety; and (4) Leisure boredom played a significant mediating role in the relationship between problematic short video use and anxiety. Specifically, problematic short video use increased feelings of leisure boredom, which in turn heightened anxiety levels. The mediating effect accounted for 59.15% of the total effect. These findings highlight the importance of addressing university students' short video use behaviors and their potential negative impact on leisure experiences, in order to reduce mental health risks.