Short-form video addiction and depression: a comparative network analysis between left-behind children and non-left-behind children

Introduction Left-behind children (LBC) often exhibit higher levels of mental health problems and behavioral issues compared to non-left-behind children (NLBC). This study aims to investigate the differences between LBC and NLBC in terms of short-form video addiction and depression.Methods A total of 1839 adolescents (LBC:876) from middle and high schools were involved in the study. EBICglasso network analysis was used to explore the interaction between two disorders in LBC and NLBC.Results The network analysis of symptom networks revealed robust connections between short-form video addiction and depression among LBC and NLBC. The most central symptom in the LBC network was Academic functional impairment, while Mood change emerged as the most central symptom in the NLBC network. The inertia symptom of depression was identified as bridge symptoms in both networks. Comparing the two networks, significant differences were found in nodes including anhedonia, mood change and overuse.Conclusions The study shows complex links between short-form video addiction and depression, with variations seen between LBC and NLBC. Academic functional impairment and Mood change were central symptoms in LBC and NLBC networks, respectively. Differences were also noted in anhedonia, mood change, and overuse. This underscores the necessity for tailored interventions to tackle mental health concerns in both LBC and NLBC.