Can internet use change sport participation behavior among residents? Evidence from the 2017 Chinese General Social Survey

Abstract

PurposeThe popularization of the internet has promoted the implementation of China's national fitness strategy and created conditions for Chinese residents to participate in sports. The internet is an essential medium for disseminating sports knowledge, and the use of the internet can change sport participation behaviors. Therefore, the internet can be used to popularize sports knowledge and promote the participation of all people in sports and thus improve the health of the entire population. This study attempts to empirically analyse how the use of the internet changes sport participation behavior.MethodUtilizing data from the 2017 China General Social Survey, a probit model, ivprobit model, and bias-corrected non-parametric percentile bootstrap test were used to analyse the impact of internet use on sport participation behavior.ResultsThe empirical results show that internet use significantly increased the probability of participation in sports by Chinese residents. Heterogeneity test results showed that internet use was more effective in promoting sport participation in middle-aged groups, groups of older persons, unmarried groups, and groups with a high school education or above. The mediating effect test results showed that internet use influenced residents' participation in sports by promoting social interaction, leisure and entertainment, and learning and recharging.ConclusionsThe internet has changed participation in sports; specifically, the use of the internet promotes sport participation. Additionally, internet use has a more obvious impact on improving the sport participation behavior of middle-aged, older, unmarried, and middle- and higher-educated individuals. Internet social interaction, internet entertainment and internet learning are effective channels to encourage Chinese residents to participate in sports and improve their health.

Relationship and mechanisms between internet use and physical exercise among middle- and younger-aged groups

“…Thirdly, the dissemination of Internet information has broadened the channels for individual information collection, strengthening social networks [ 45 ]. Individuals share sports information and interact with others about sports due to extreme interpersonal communication on social networks [ 46 , 47 ].…”

Influence of internet usage on physical activity participation among Chinese residents: evidence from 2017 China General Social Survey

“…As people age, their focus on health and the demand for physical activity gradually increase. With the help of the internet, middle-aged and older adults can access more exercise advice and guidance tailored to their age and health conditions, thus actively participating in physical activities ( 51 ). This trend may further enhance the moderating effect of age on the relationship between internet usage and physical activity.…”

Network consumption and sports practice: influence on the risk of network addiction and basic psychological needs

“…However, other research shows that using networks has a promotional effect on sport participation (Wang and Zhou, 2018). This happens because the networks act as media tools that improve social awareness about sports and transmit information about their benefits (Hua-Mei et al, 2022). Regarding the effect of sports practice on the risk of addiction, it has been shown that sport prevents the overconsumption of networks through the development of self-control (Jonker et al, 2011;Oaten and Cheng, 2006).…”