Using structural equation modeling to explore the influences of physical activity, mental health, well-being, and loneliness on Douyin usage at bedtime.

Douyin is the Chinese version of TikTok. Using Douyin at bedtime is a very common behavior among Douyin users. However, the reasons why users like using Douyin before sleep are yet unclear. We conducted a cross-section survey from January 1st to January 16th, 2023 to capture data to examine the associations of depression, anxiety, life satisfaction, well-being, loneliness, and physical activity with Douyin usage at bedtime. The mediation role of insomnia in these associations was examined. A total of 3,392 participants who met the inclusion criteria were included for analysis. Our structural equation modeling analysis showed that depression on ( = 0.08;  < 0.05), anxiety ( = 0.06;  < 0.05), and loneliness ( = 0.14;  < 0.05) were directly associated with increased Douyin usage at bedtime, and were also indirectly associated with Douyin usage through insomnia (depression:  = 0.18;  < 0.05, anxiety:  = 0.16;  < 0.05, and loneliness:  = 0.12;  < 0.05). Life satisfaction ( = -0.05;  < 0.05) and well-being ( = -0.20;  < 0.05) were directly associated with decreased Douyin usage at bedtime, and were also indirectly associated with Douyin usage through insomnia (life satisfaction:  = -0.09;  < 0.05, and well-being:  = -0.11;  < 0.05). However, physical activity was unexpectedly associated with increased Douyin usage at bedtime ( = 0.20;  < 0.05). In conclusion, our findings shed new light on the specific reasons why Douyin users like using Douyin at bedtime.