This study investigates the impact of digital health technologies (DHTs) on the healthy lifestyles and mental health of Chinese adolescents and youngsters. A national survey (N=2297) explored the relationships between DHT use, social interaction on DHT platforms, behavioral regulation, healthy lifestyles, and mental health. Results show that both DHT use and social interaction positively predict healthy lifestyles, with behavioral regulation mediating these relationships. Surprisingly, higher social interaction was linked to poorer mental health. DHT use did not directly predict mental health, but through behavioral regulation, it showed a positive association. The study highlights the importance of behavioral regulation in mediating the effects of DHTs on adolescent health and offers implications for health promotion policies and DHT design.

Xiaoxing Li, Meng Zhang