Internet addiction affects college students’ intuitive eating over physical activity: Evidence from multiple studies

Abstract

Intuitive eating is a key focus in health psychology and has been closely linked to negative emotions, particularly among college students. A study examining the protective and risk factors influencing students’ intuitive eating could be valuable in helping them manage their weight and improve their emotional well-being. We therefore examined the effects of physical activity and internet addiction. A total of two studies were conducted: a questionnaire survey and an ecological transient assessment. Ultimately, we found that physical activity did not influence students’ intuitive eating. However, we found that internet addiction negatively influenced college students’ intuitive eating, both in terms of immediate and short-term delayed effects. Using multiple studies, we found that physical activity was not a predictor of intuitive eating and that internet addiction had both immediate and short-term delayed effects on intuitive eating. Furthermore, there was no interaction effect between the two.