Online environmental concerns and individual health outcomes in China

Abstract

This study used microdata from the China Health and Nutrition Survey and the Baidu search index to investigate the effect of online public environmental concerns on individual health. Results indicate a positive relationship between the level of public environmental concerns and individual health outcomes. Notably, this relationship varies across different demographic groups, with significant health benefits observed among married individuals, those with low educational attainment, middle-aged and elderly populations, and residents of regions characterized by high economic development. Furthermore, this study identifies two potential pathways through which public environmental concerns influence individual health. First, heightened environmental concerns reduce sedentary behavior, indirectly stimulating physical activity that in turn leads to enhanced health outcomes. Second, “Green Diets” closely resemble healthy dietary recommendations. Consequently, an increased focus on environmental concerns may foster dietary literacy, effectively contributing to the prevention of chronic diseases. These findings underscore the significance of leveraging online media to enhance public awareness of environmental issues and promote the understanding of the connection between environmental concerns and health, which contribute to the well-being of individuals and society as a whole.