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A Study on the Relationship between Sports Participation and Mental Health in the Digital Era

Author(s)

Chu Wang1, Qiang Sun2, Yan Zou3,*

Affiliation(s)

1School of Public Education, Shandong University of Arts, Jinan, Shandong, China 2 School of Public Education, Shandong University of Arts, Jinan, Shandong, China 3Sports College, Kyungil University, Daegu, Korea *Corresponding Author.

Abstract

In the digital age, the rapid progress of technology has profoundly changed people's way of life, including the way they participate in sports. This study aims to explore how digital tools such as social media, health applications, and online fitness courses affect individual exercise engagement, and further analyze the relationship between this engagement and individual mental health. Through comprehensive analysis of multiple data sources, including online questionnaires and in-depth interviews, this study reveals the complex and multi-level relationship between exercise participation and mental health in the digital age. Research has found that although digital tools significantly improve the participation of some populations in sports, especially among young people and skilled technicians, their impact is relatively small for those who use technology less frequently, such as the elderly. In addition, there is a positive correlation between increased participation in sports and improvement in mental health, especially in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression. However, excessive reliance on digital tools may also lead to a decrease in the quality of exercise experience, thereby having a negative impact on mental health. The unique viewpoint presented in this study is that it emphasizes the need to consider user technical proficiency, mental health status, and individual differences when designing and promoting health applications and digital fitness tools. Based on these findings, we suggest developing more personalized, easily accessible, and diverse sports engagement digital solutions to promote the mental health and well-being of a wider population. This study not only provides a new perspective on how digital tools shape modern people's exercise habits and mental health, but also provides an empirical basis for designing future health promotion strategies.

Keywords

Digitalization; Lifestyle; Exercise Health; Smart Devices; Mental Health

References

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