Physical activity and adolescents' parasocial relationships with virtual idols: evidence from loneliness, gender differences, and network analysis

IntroductionThis study aimed to examine whether higher levels of physical activity were associated with adolescents' parasocial relationships with virtual idols through lower levels of loneliness, and to determine whether gender moderated these associations. The study also explored the item-level connections between loneliness and parasocial relationships with virtual idols.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted among 2,798 adolescents from Sichuan, Hunan, Yunnan, and Chongqing provinces in China. Physical activity, loneliness, and parasocial relationships with virtual idols were measured using validated questionnaires. The SPSS PROCESS macro was used to test the moderated mediation model, and network analysis was conducted to identify key bridging nodes between loneliness and parasocial relationships.ResultsPhysical activity was significantly negatively associated with parasocial relationships with virtual idols, and loneliness showed a significant partial statistical mediation in this association. Gender significantly moderated both the association between physical activity and loneliness and the association between loneliness and parasocial relationships, with these associations being more pronounced among female adolescents. Network analysis further identified bridging connections between real-life relational deficits, such as feeling neglected and lacking companionship, and emotional involvement with virtual idols, such as caring about the life of a virtual idol.DiscussionThe findings suggest that physical activity may be associated with weaker parasocial relationships with virtual idols not only through time occupation or attention diversion, but also through lower loneliness and stronger real-life social connection. Interventions aimed at reducing excessive emotional dependence on virtual idols should therefore focus on promoting physical engagement, real-life interaction, and adolescents' sense of belonging.