The Positive and Negative Impact of Online Social Ties on PA Behaviour: A Qualitative Analysis in Chinese Adolescents

The continuing downward trend in low physical activity levels among Chinese adolescents increases the risk of obesity and negative mood and is associated with poorer mental and physical health. Integrating physical activity within one’s social relationships influences physical activity behaviour. Although strong social ties, such as family members, peers, and educators, are influential on adolescents' physical activity, it is also acknowledged that adolescents may build social ties through social media, potentially impacting their physical activity behavior. The current study aimed to gain a deeper understanding of Chinese adolescents’ social ties in social media and how this might impact their physical activity behaviour. For this purpose, a qualitative study design was used. We conducted 13 qualitative focus groups that sampled 74 Chinese adolescents. Social support and perceived barriers were identified. Consistent with social ties-related theory (e.g., social integration theory, social engagement theory, etc.), our findings emphasize the need for incorporating the positive influences of strong social ties of peers and parents, as well as weak and peripheral ties of fitness influencers and people from the online PA community with similar PA interests, into the design of social media interventions.