Won't you scroll away the scorn?

Frequent use of short video apps is associated with lower satisfaction with one’s quality of life, particularly over perceptions of the wealth gap, according to research in the International Journal of Mobile Communications, which examined the effects of digital media consumption.

The researchers analysed data from 7257 participants aged 16 to 69 in the China Family Panel Studies. They found that satisfaction with wealth inequality was more affected than other aspects of life quality. They also showed that the strongest association was among urban residents, people under 45, and those with at least a high school education.

Two possible explanations emerge. First, declining social trust and secondly, increased negative emotions. The findings have implications for public understanding in China, and perhaps elsewhere, where short video apps are a major source of information and entertainment. In China, 95.5 per cent of internet users use such apps, according to data from the National Radio and Television Administration Development Research Centre.

It is worth noting that short video apps do facilitate wider discussion of social issues. However, it is also well-known that their recommendation algorithms tailor content to one’s viewing habits and can lead to what is known as the bubble, or echo chamber, effect. This may reinforce existing beliefs, and with repetition or unreliable material, distort perceptions of economic and social reality.

The researchers highlight the need to understand how digital media consumption shapes public attitudes towards inequality and living conditions. Moreover, they suggest that there is a need for greater attention to be paid to content quality and information sources.

Tian, W. and Wang, X. (2026) ‘Does using short video apps reduce people’s satisfaction with life quality? Evidence from China’, Int. J. Mobile Communications, Vol. 28, No. 4, pp.400–418.

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