Bridging psychological distance in Vlog News: How content characteristics influence user stickiness through emotional attachment and Uses and Gratifications

Abstract

Vlog news has emerged as a prominent form of information dissemination, especially among younger audiences. However, limited research has examined how specific content attributes shape emotional attachment and drive user stickiness in Vlog news consumption. Drawing on Attachment Theory and Uses and Gratifications Theory, this study explores how key content attributes—entertainment value, richness, usefulness, information quality, and immersion—foster emotional attachment and influence user stickiness in Vlog news consumption. Additionally, it investigates the moderating role of psychological distance in this relationship. A survey of 495 Chinese Vlog news viewers was conducted, with data analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) and Fuzzy-Set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA). PLS-SEM results indicate that entertainment, usefulness, information quality, and immersion significantly enhance emotional attachment, which in turn increases user stickiness. However, content richness has no significant effect, suggesting users prioritize quality over diversity. Moreover, psychological distance negatively moderates the emotional attachment–user stickiness link, emphasizing the role of perceived intimacy. fsQCA results further highlight the complexity of user needs. These findings underscore the need for culturally adaptive content strategies to enhance emotional connections and platform loyalty, providing both theoretical and practical insights for digital media platforms.