Digital literacy and subjective wellbeing of young people: a mixed-methods approach based on SEM and fsQCA

Introduction As digital natives and intensive users of digital technologies, young people's digital literacy has become a critical determinant of their subjective wellbeing. Based on the COR theory, this study explores the impact of digital literacy on young people's subjective wellbeing and its underlying mechanisms. Methods This study adopts a comprehensive methodological framework integrating Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) and fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA). SEM is employed to examine the direct and mediating relationships among digital literacy, social support, self-efficacy, and subjective wellbeing within a resource-based framework. Meanwhile, fsQCA is used to explore multiple configurational pathways through which different combinations of resources contribute to high levels of subjective wellbeing. Results Results revealed three key findings:(1) Digital literacy is positively associated with young people's subjective wellbeing and demonstrates a resource accumulation and upgrading pattern, evolving from basic operational skills to higher-order cognitive and professional competencies. (2) Social support and self-efficacy function both as independent mediators and as sequential resources in a resource gain chain: digital literacy → social support → self-efficacy → subjective wellbeing. (3) The fsQCA reveals three functionally equivalent configuration pathways: S1, a “security–professional–support pathway”; S2, a “cognitive–operational–social collaboration pathway”; and S3, a “comprehensive capability–driven pathway.” Discussion These findings provide empirical support for COR theory by demonstrating how digital literacy, as a foundational personal resource, facilitates the accumulation and interaction of social and psychological resources to enhance subjective wellbeing. The study highlights the importance of strengthening digital literacy education, promoting equitable access to digital resources, fostering youth digital engagement, and improving platform governance and privacy protection. Such efforts can help build sustainable resource gain cycles and maximize the wellbeing benefits of digital literacy among young people.