@Article{ijmhp.2025.070803,
AUTHOR = {Hua Pang, Xiaoyi Jin},
TITLE = {Determining Dynamic Influence of Human and Machine System on Live-Streaming Addiction: Critical Mediating Mechanisms of Emotional and Functional Attachment},
JOURNAL = {International Journal of Mental Health Promotion},
VOLUME = {27},
YEAR = {2025},
NUMBER = {11},
PAGES = {1709--1728},
URL = {http://www.techscience.com/IJMHP/v27n11/64655},
ISSN = {2049-8543},
ABSTRACT = {<b>Background:</b> Live streaming has become a globally prevalent form of digital entertainment, particularly among young audiences, fostering new modes of online engagement through real-time interaction. However, excessive use may lead to addictive behaviors in certain users. Current research on live-streaming addiction remains limited, with prior studies focusing primarily on socio-psychological drivers rather than the role of technological affordances. To address this gap, this study develops a conceptual model based on socio-technical systems and attachment theory to investigate how emotional and functional attachment mediate the relationship between platform features and addictive behavior. <b>Methods:</b> A total of 533 valid responses were collected in a cross-sectional survey (mean age = 26.4 years, standard deviation [SD] = 4.7; 53.8% female). Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM) to test the hypothesized relationships. Additionally, the potential mediating effects of emotional and functional attachment between the platform features and live-streaming addiction were examined using the Bootstrap method. <b>Results:</b> Social factors (perceived interactivity, β = 0.204, <i>p</i> < 0.001; perceived confirmation, β = 0.379, <i>p</i> < 0.001) and technical factors (perceived customization, β = 0.227, <i>p</i> < 0.001; perceived amusement, β = 0.252, <i>p</i> < 0.001; vicarious expression, β = 0.352, <i>p</i> < 0.001) significantly strengthen both emotional and functional attachment, which in turn positively predict live-streaming addiction (emotional attachment: β = 0.468, <i>p</i> < 0.001; functional attachment: β = 0.393, <i>p</i> < 0.001). Furthermore, emotional attachment exerted a stronger influence on addiction than functional attachment. <b>Conclusions:</b> These findings deepen the understanding of live-streaming addiction by integrating socio-technical perspectives and offer practical implications for stakeholders to mitigate negative outcomes through effective strategies.},
DOI = {10.32604/ijmhp.2025.070803}
}