TY  - EJOU
AU  - Pang, Hua 
AU  - Jin, Xiaoyi 

TI  - Determining Dynamic Influence of Human and Machine System on Live-Streaming Addiction: Critical Mediating Mechanisms of Emotional and Functional Attachment
T2  - International Journal of Mental Health Promotion

PY  - 2025
VL  - 27
IS  - 11
SN  - 2049-8543

AB  - <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.
KW  - Perceived interactivity; perceived confirmation; emotional attachment; functional attachment; live-streaming addiction

DO  - 10.32604/ijmhp.2025.070803