While traditional volunteering's impact on well-being is extensively studied, research on online volunteering remains limited despite its recent surge due to internet technology advancements. The Chinese government actively promotes internet-based public welfare activities. This study, using the 2019 Chinese General Social Survey, addresses this gap by examining the relationship between online volunteering and subjective well-being (SWB) in China. It specifically investigates whether online bridging networks mediate this relationship. The research questions are: 1) What is the relationship between online volunteering and SWB in China? 2) Does the online bridging network mediate this relationship?

Existing literature highlights the positive relationship between volunteering and social capital, with volunteering fostering social networks, trust, and cooperation. Studies show a strong positive correlation between social capital and SWB. Several studies link volunteering to enhanced SWB due to increased purpose, self-esteem, and social interaction. However, the mechanisms linking volunteering, social capital (particularly online networks), and SWB need further investigation, especially in the context of online volunteering. Some studies suggest online interactions might be less effective in building strong interpersonal relationships compared to face-to-face interactions, while others highlight potential benefits like self-actualization and e-empowerment. This study aims to address this gap by focusing on the Chinese context and the mediating role of online bridging networks.

This study utilizes secondary data from the 2019 Chinese General Social Survey (CSS), a nationally representative survey. The sample includes 5556 individuals aged 18 and older who answered questions on online and offline volunteering, SWB, and online social network participation. SWB was measured using a ten-point scale assessing life satisfaction. Online volunteering was assessed by whether respondents participated in online volunteer work. Offline volunteering was measured similarly for offline activities. Online bridging networks were calculated by summing the number of various online social groups respondents belonged to (11 categories were provided). Demographic variables (gender, age, marital status, education, socioeconomic status, religious status, internet use) were included as covariates. Regression analysis was used to examine the relationships between online volunteering, online bridging networks, and SWB. A mediation analysis was conducted to assess the mediating role of the online bridging network.

Descriptive statistics showed that the mean SWB score was 7.04 (SD=2.226). Only 3.7% of respondents engaged in online volunteering, while 19.6% participated in offline volunteering. Regression analysis revealed a positive relationship between online volunteering and online bridging networks (b=0.3761, p<0.05), although the direct relationship between online volunteering and SWB was not statistically significant (p>0.05). However, online bridging networks showed a significant positive relationship with SWB (b=0.0301, p<0.05). The mediation analysis indicated a significant indirect effect of online volunteering on SWB through the online bridging network (indirect effect = 0.0113, 95% CI [0.0011, 0.0328]). Age and education significantly impacted both online bridging networks and SWB, while socioeconomic status had a negative significant impact on both. Marital status positively impacted online bridging networks.

This study's findings suggest that while online volunteering itself does not directly improve SWB, it indirectly does so by expanding online social networks. This aligns with social capital theory, indicating that the connections and social support derived from online volunteering contribute to enhanced well-being. The mediating role of online bridging networks is a key finding, emphasizing the importance of fostering these connections. These results offer valuable insights for policymakers and non-profit organizations on leveraging online platforms to promote volunteering and public health.

This research provides novel evidence on the relationship between online volunteering and SWB in China, highlighting the indirect positive effect through online bridging networks. This suggests that promoting online volunteering initiatives and building strong online communities is vital for enhancing SWB. Future studies should explore causal relationships using longitudinal data, investigate specific types of online volunteering activities, and consider the role of psychological distance in online volunteering.

The cross-sectional nature of the data limits the establishment of causal relationships. The study's measurement of online volunteering lacks specificity regarding the types of activities, potentially affecting the interpretation of results. The interconnectedness of online volunteering, online social networks, and SWB might lead to a complex interplay not fully captured in this analysis. The potential influence of psychological distance in online volunteering also warrants further research.