The role of life satisfaction in cybersecurity awareness: A broaden-and-build perspective

Cybersecurity awareness refers to basic literacy in the digital age. This study discusses the influencing mechanism of an individual’s life satisfaction on cybersecurity awareness, considering the mediating effects of internet dependence and burnout based on the broaden-and-build theory (BBT) of positive emotions as well as compensatory internet use (CIU) theory. We constructed a theoretical framework and tested hypotheses using regression analysis of a sample of 951 subjects based on a longitudinal survey. The empirical results showed that life satisfaction - as a stable cognitive indicator of subjective well-being - was associated with higher cybersecurity awareness, both directly and indirectly through pathways informed by the BBT and CIU theory. This study provides managers with actionable insights for promoting cybersecurity awareness by fostering psychological resources (e.g., life satisfaction) that buffer against security fatigue and burnout. • Investigation of cybersecurity awareness and the role of life satisfaction • Application of broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions and compensatory internet use theory • Longitudinal survey of 951 subjects • Findings show that life satisfaction could impact cybersecurity awareness • Suggests managers could promote cybersecurity awareness by enhancing positive psychology