Internet use and youth self-reported health over the course of COVID-19 in China

The networked characterization of Internet use shapes youth self-reported health through both healthy lifestyles and interpersonal interactions. Under the impact of COVID-19, the online information support pathway of youth self-reported health has declined, while the online emotional support pathway has become more prominent, suggesting a breakthrough of the physical isolation limitations of pandemic-proof social capital. Networked characterizations had a more significant improvement in the self-reported health of disadvantaged youth, suggesting that Internet use may have positive potential to narrow health inequalities.