Watching online videos (including short-form videos) has become the most popular leisure activity in China. However, a few studies have reported the potential negative effects of online video watching behaviors (including the potential for ‘addiction’) among a minority of individuals. The present study investigated online video watching behaviors, motivational factors for watching online videos, and potentially addictive indicators of watching online videos. Semi-structured interviews were conducted among 20 young Chinese adults. Qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Eight themes were identified comprising: (i) content is key; (ii) types of online video watching; (iii) platform function hooks; (iv) personal interests; (v) watching becoming habitual; (vi) social interaction needs; (vii) reassurance needs; and (viii) addiction-like symptoms. Specific video content (e.g., mukbang, pornography), platform-driven continuous watching, and short-form videos were perceived by some participants as being potentially addictive. Specific features or content on Chinese online video platforms (e.g., ‘Danmu’ scrolling comments) need further investigation. Future studies should explore users’ addictive-like behaviors in relation to specific types of online video content and their social interaction on these platforms.

Smartphone distraction (SD) has been reported as an important factor associated with problematic smartphone use (PSU). The present study explored the relationship between SD, PSU, and mental health problems using the newly developed Smartphone distraction Scale (SDS). A total of three hundred and twenty smartphone users (M_age = 20.30, SD = 1.67) completed a questionnaire that comprised psychometric scales for the aforementioned variables. Results showed that SD was significantly correlated with PSU, anxiety, depression and stress. PSU fully mediated the relationships from SD to anxiety and depression. PSU partially mediated the relationship between SD and stress. The four-factor SDS was reliable and obtained good model fit in confirmatory factor analysis. This study suggests that being distracted by smartphone use can be associated with mental health issues while the level of PSU might be the bridge of this link. The present study is one of very few studies to examine SD in China, which aimed to investigate the relationships between SD, PSU and mental health issues (stress, anxiety and depression), and adopt the newly developed SDS in the Chinese context. Further studies are needed to explore the complex mechanism between SD and mental health.