Limited social support: a study on the impact of social media practices of left-behind women in small towns on their well-being

Amid rapid urbanization in China, left-behind women exhibit unique characteristics, shaped by simultaneous “urban agglomeration” and a temporary “left-behind” status. Consequently, their subjective wellbeing has emerged as a significant research area. Following the widespread adoption of digital technologies, existing studies indicate that social media usage can exert both positive and negative effects on the wellbeing of vulnerable populations, including left-behind women. This study systematically examines the mechanisms through which social media influences the subjective wellbeing of left-behind women. Data were collected through questionnaires, and a theoretical model termed “limited social support” is proposed. The findings demonstrate that social media platforms, functioning as emerging forms of digital connectivity, positively influence subjective wellbeing through the “social companionship” pathway. However, the mediating effects of the “emotional support” and “informational support” pathways were not significant, as these channels are constrained by factors such as traditional gender norms and limited media literacy. These empirical results underscore the functional limitations of digital media in bridging social divides, highlighting the structural constraints and practical challenges in technologically empowering women.