Motivations for Media Use in the Development of the Internet

Abstract

Against the backdrop of the rapid development of the internet, media use has become an integral part of daily life. Understanding individuals’ psychological motivations behind media use is crucial for promoting healthy media use and maintaining psychological well-being. This study, based on the frameworks of motivational theory, cognitive development theory, and emotion regulation theory, employed a mixed research method combining case studies with empirical analysis to explore the media use patterns and psychological needs of children and adolescents as they develop internet skills. The study found significant differences in media use motivations across age groups: children’s media engagement is closely linked to their cognitive development, while adolescents’ use is more influenced by identity construction and emotion regulation. Furthermore, cognitive costs play a key role in individual media choices, suggesting that media use is not a passive process but rather an active choice. This study provides a new perspective for further understanding the interactive relationship between psychology and new media and offers recommendations for education and mental health support in the digital age.