Motivations behind problematic short video use: A three-level meta-analysis

Short videos have become increasingly popular in recent years, concurrently raising concerns about problematic short video use (PSVU). Grounded in the Uses and Gratifications (U&G) theory, which posits that individuals are driven by specific motivations in their media usage, numerous empirical studies have explored the connection between motivations and PSVU. However, extant findings exhibit inconsistencies and lack a comprehensive, integrated perspective. This study aimed to integrate the relationships between motivations and PSVU while identifying the motivations most likely to contribute to this phenomenon. A total of 33 studies, 106 effect sizes, and 16,233 participants were included for a three-level meta-analysis through literature retrieval and screening, with a primary focus on studies conducted in China. The results indicated a positive correlation between motivation and PSVU. Further analyses revealed distinct relationships between different types of motivation and PSVU. Notably, eight motivations behind PSVU were identified: information engagement, novelty satisfaction, recreation and enjoyment, stress relief, social interaction, escapism, self-compensation, and self-expression and social identity. Among these, escapism exhibited the strongest association with PSVU, followed by self-compensation and stress relief. These findings provide evidence for the U&G theory in the context of short video media and emphasize the role of motivation in the development of PSVU. Limitations and future directions were also discussed.