Preventing problematic Internet use through video-based interventions: a theoretical model and empirical test

Abstract

This study relies on the core ideas of the health belief model and suggests that short informational videos on Internet ‘addiction’ can be an effective means towards preventing problematic use of the Internet through their ability to drive changes in viewers’ attitudes towards reducing their Internet use. Building on the heuristic-systematic model of information processing viewpoint, it is further suggested that this attitude change is guided by the information the videos provide, as well as the surprise emotion they generate. To test this model, data were collected at three points in time from 223 participants who were exposed to one of two video interventions. Partial least-square analyses indicated that the videos were efficacious in improving viewers’ attitudes towards reducing their Internet use, after accounting for viewers’ preexisting attitudes, levels of Internet ‘addiction’, demographics and social desirability bias. Consistent with the heuristic-systematic model of information-processing perspective this effect was mobilised simultaneously through the information and surprise induced by the videos.