Reconnecting with nature to disconnect from screens: The relationship between nature exposure and problematic short-form video use among adolescents and its underlying mechanisms

Abstract

The prevention of adolescent problematic short-form video use (PSVU) has increasingly garnered attention. In recent years, researchers have focused on the potential benefits of nature exposure in alleviating problematic substance or behavioral use, given its ability to reduce stress. However, most studies focus on substance addiction, with limited research on digital detox. Additionally, the heterogeneity of different types of nature exposure has been overlooked. Moreover, the longitudinal and within-person impacts of nature exposure on PSVU remain unexplored. To address these gaps, this study used cross-sectional, longitudinal, and weekly-diary designs to explore the relationship between nature exposure and PSVU, along with the mediating roles of positive emotion and interpersonal connection. Specifically, Study 1a (N = 290) used a cross-sectional design, and multiverse-style analysis revealed that, except for the incidental nature exposure, the remaining three types of nature exposure (intentional outdoor, intentional indoor, and indirect) could significantly and negatively predict subjective PSVU. Study 1b (N = 282) employed a longitudinal design, and cross-lagged analysis found that increased intentional outdoor, indoor, and indirect nature exposure at T1 led to decreased PSVU at T2. Study 2 (N = 180) used a seven-week diary study and multilevel mediation analysis to examine whether the relationship between nature exposure and adolescent PSVU was mediated by positive emotion and interpersonal connection. At the within-person level, the results revealed that intentional outdoor nature exposure positively related to interpersonal connection in the same week and one week later, resulting in a reduction in PSVU the next week. The theoretical and practical implications, as well as future directions, were discussed.