Abstract

This study investigated the relationships among YouTube content types (Short-form/Shorts vs. Long-form), usage motivations, flow experiences, parasocial relationship(PSR), and the relief from loneliness. Data were collected through an online survey of 478 students enrolled in an online course at D University (Shorts users: 247, long-form users: 231). The findings are the following: First, six You tube usage motivation factors were identified; entertainment/relaxation, social interaction, information-seeking/learning, core content/convenience, background stimulation, and multi-tasking media use. Compared to long-form content, Shorts users exhibited stronger motivations for core content/convenience, while Long-form users showed stronger motivations for information-seeking/learning, background stimulation, and multi-tasking media use. Second, user experiences such as flow, PSR, and loneliness alleviation differed according to usage motivation, with entertainment/relaxation, social interaction, and background stimulation showing particularly positive effects. Third, Shorts users reported higher flow experience, whereas Long-form users exhibited stronger PSR. Both flow and PSR positively influenced the alleviation of loneliness. Furthermore, a consistent mediating effect was found in the relationship between content type and loneliness alleviation: Shorts were more effective through flow, while Long-form content was more effective through PSR formation. Finally, alleviation of loneliness significantly enhanced content satisfaction and continued viewing intention. The sequential mediation model confirmed that content type influenced satisfaction and continued viewing through the pathways of flow, PSR, and loneliness alleviation. The study highlights the importance of considering users’ psychological experiences in content planning and platform strategies. Theoretical and practical implications, along with research limitations, are discussed.