Using structural equation modeling to explore the influences of physical activity, mental health, well-being, and loneliness on Douyin usage at bedtime

Douyin is the Chinese version of TikTok. Using Douyin at bedtime is a very common behavior among Douyin users. However, the reasons why users like using Douyin before sleep are yet unclear. We conducted a cross-section survey from January 1st to January 16th, 2023 to capture data to examine the associations of depression, anxiety, life satisfaction, well-being, loneliness, and physical activity with Douyin usage at bedtime. The mediation role of insomnia in these associations was examined. A total of 3,392 participants who met the inclusion criteria were included for analysis. Our structural equation modeling analysis showed that depression on (beta = 0.08; p < 0.05), anxiety (beta = 0.06; p < 0.05), and loneliness (beta = 0.14; p < 0.05) were directly associated with increased Douyin usage at bedtime, and were also indirectly associated with Douyin usage through insomnia (depression: beta = 0.18; p < 0.05, anxiety: beta = 0.16; p < 0.05, and loneliness: beta = 0.12; p < 0.05). Life satisfaction (beta = -0.05; p < 0.05) and well-being (beta = -0.20; p < 0.05) were directly associated with decreased Douyin usage at bedtime, and were also indirectly associated with Douyin usage through insomnia (life satisfaction: beta = -0.09; p < 0.05, and well-being: beta = -0.11; p < 0.05). However, physical activity was unexpectedly associated with increased Douyin usage at bedtime (beta = 0.20; p < 0.05). In conclusion, our findings shed new light on the specific reasons why Douyin users like using Douyin at bedtime.