Associations of various internet device use and activities with depression in Chinese adolescents: gender and geographical differences.

Abstract

Purpose: Chinese adolescents are increasingly using multiple devices to engage in various Internet activities. This study examined whether the associations of diverse Internet device use and distinct activities with depression among Chinese adolescents differed by gender and geographical location.

Methods: We used data from China Family Panel Studies (CFPS), a national survey conducted in 2020.

Results: Regarding gender differences, time spent on mobile devices and frequency of watching short videos were associated with higher levels of depression in girls, while the opposite was true for boys. Regarding geographical differences, moderate use of mobile devices (1-3 h per day) and desktop devices (< 1 h per day), including watching short videos and posting low-frequency on WeChat Moments, were associated with lower risk of depression among rural adolescents. Long-time desktop device use (> 1 h per day), playing online games, daily online learning, and posting high-frequency on WeChat Moments could increase their risk of depression. In contrast, desktop device usage and moderate mobile device use (1-3 h per day), represented by watching short videos and posting low-frequency on WeChat Moments, were related to depression among adolescents in provincial capitals, prefecture-level cities, or counties. Daily online learning, playing games, and posting WeChat Moments frequently could relieve their depression.

Conclusion: The risk factors for depression related to Internet device use and activity varied between adolescents across genders and geographical locations.