The relationship between shyness and short video addiction among college students: chain mediating role of social support and basic psychological needs

Objectives In contemporary society, shyness has become increasingly prevalent. Short video addiction, a distinct and highly prevalent form of internet overuse, remains underexplored in relation to shyness, despite established links between shyness and broader internet addiction. Accordingly, further investigation is needed to understand the mechanisms through which shyness influences short video addiction among college students. Therefore, this research aims to investigate the connection between the two, incorporating the variables of social support and basic psychological needs to examine their roles in this relationship. Methods Convenience sampling was used to recruit 1,513 students at a college in western China. Data were collected using the Shyness Scale, Short Video Addiction Scale, Social Support Rating Scale, and Basic Psychological Needs Scale. Correlation analysis was performed using SPSS 26.0, and mediation effects were analyzed using the PROCESS macro (Model 6). Results (1) Shyness was significantly positively associated with short video addiction. (2) Social support and basic psychological needs independently mediated the relationship between shyness and short video addiction. (3) Social support and basic psychological needs sequentially mediated the relationship between shyness and short video addiction. Conclusion This study elucidates the mediating roles of social support and basic psychological needs in the association between shyness and short video addiction. Strengthening college students’ social support systems may enhance the fulfillment of their basic psychological needs, thereby reducing the risk of short video addiction. These findings highlight the importance of addressing both social and psychological factors in prevention and intervention efforts.