Problematic internet use (PIU) is a concerning issue worldwide, and a considerable body of knowledge has accrued from research on the predictors of PIU; however, few studies have investigated the dynamic process by which the social environment impacts individuals’ PIU. Integrating a person–environment interactionist perspective with self-determination theory, we investigate how relational mobility impacts PIU by proposing a “permeating” mechanism of social interactions (i.e., interpersonal sensitivity) and basic psychological needs (i.e., relatedness satisfaction). In Study 1, using a large data set from the Chinese General Social Survey ( N = 2,192), we found that relational mobility was negatively related to PIU. In Study 2, using a new sample ( N = 392), we found that relational mobility alleviated PIU through interpersonal sensitivity. In Study 3, using a cross-lagged design and two-wave data ( N = 298), we confirmed the chain-mediating roles of interpersonal sensitivity and relatedness satisfaction in the relationship between relational mobility and PIU.

We conducted four empirical studies to investigate how, why, and when humor production impacts people’s creativity. Study 1 (N = 175), using the cartoon humor production paradigm, found that humor production was positively associated with creativity. Study 2 (N = 243), using a new sample, found that self-efficacy mediated the relationship between humor production and creativity. Study 3 (N = 225), via a manipulation-of-mediation-as-a-moderator (MMM) design, manipulating participants’ self-efficacy, replicated the results of Study 2. Furthermore, Study 4 (N = 433), using a cross-lagged design and three-wave data, extended the theoretical model to the workplace, and further demonstrated that the fear of authority alleviated the indirect effect of humor production on people’s creativity. These findings are of theoretical and practical significance for our understanding of humor production and creativity.