The association between internet use on depression among rural-to-urban migrants: The role of sense of gain and intergenerational support

Current research on immigrant mental health predominantly examines the direct effects of internet use on depression, often from an intra-individual perspective. However, few studies have investigated how individuals' social perceptions influence the relationship between internet use and the mental health of migrants. Drawing on social cognitive theories of depression, this study explores the connection between internet use and depression among rural-to-urban migrants, adopting a social cognitive framework. Using data from the 2022 Chinese Family Panel Study (CFPS), which includes 6672 rural-to-urban migrants across 25 provinces, the findings reveal that internet use is associated with exacerbated depressive symptoms through complex psychological mechanisms. Moreover, intergenerational support moderates this association by enhancing individuals' sense of gain. This study highlights the mediating role of a sense of gain and the moderating influence of intergenerational support, offering new insights into the psychological processes that shape migrant mental health. The paper concludes with a discussion of the implications of these findings and offers suggestions for future research.