The Double-Edged Sword of Short Video Use: Opposing Pathways to Depressive Symptoms in Middle-Aged and Older Adults

The growing prevalence of short video platforms among middle-aged and older adults raises questions about their mental health implications. Using a national survey of 5,039 Chinese adults aged 50 years and above, this study examined how short video use relates to depressive symptoms through competing mechanisms using structural equation modeling. The results showed a dual-path pattern: Short video use was associated with fewer depressive symptoms via more positive attitudes toward aging, but also with increased symptoms via Internet addiction. Moderation analyses indicated that higher levels of Internet addiction were associated with a weaker protective cognitive pathway. Greater diversity in platform use was linked to higher addiction risk and reduced cognitive benefits, suggesting that fragmented engagement may correspond to less favorable psychosocial patterns. Urban–rural differences further indicated that these pathways are context-dependent. Overall, the findings highlight the importance of both behavioral patterns and usage structure in understanding the mental health effects of digital media in later life.