Effectiveness of WeChat Public Account Intervention Based on the Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills Model Among College Students With Internet Addiction: Randomized Controlled Trial - Report - MDSpire

Effectiveness of WeChat Public Account Intervention Based on the Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills Model Among College Students With Internet Addiction: Randomized Controlled Trial

  • By

  • Huayu Yang

  • Anyi Geng

  • Wenhua Ruan

  • Yuhan Yang

  • Fangzheng Xu

  • Haiyan Shi

  • Wenzhuo Xu

  • Kele Jiang

  • Hao Guo

  • Sainan Wang

  • Zheng Hu

  • Mengting Man

  • Zhihua Zhang

  • July 3, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Efficacy of WeChat Public Account Interventions for Internet Addiction

Overview

This study evaluates the effectiveness of WeChat-based interventions grounded in the Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills framework for college students suffering from internet addiction. The randomized controlled trial demonstrates improvements in internet addiction symptoms among participants receiving the intervention compared to a control group.

Background

Internet addiction (IA) poses a significant challenge, particularly among adolescents and young adults, with detrimental effects on their physical, psychological, and social well-being. The prevalence of IA among college students is high, necessitating effective intervention strategies. Online interventions, such as those utilizing WeChat, offer a scalable and accessible approach to address this concern.

Data Highlights

OutcomeIntervention GroupControl Group
Reduction in IA SymptomsSignificantNot Significant

Key Findings

  • The WeChat intervention led to a reduction in internet addiction symptoms among college students.
  • Participants reported improved behavioral skills related to internet use.
  • Utilizing the Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills framework was part of the intervention.

Clinical Implications

Healthcare professionals may consider online interventions as part of treatment plans for college students with internet addiction.

Conclusion

The study presents WeChat-based interventions as a strategy for addressing internet addiction symptoms among college students.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Journal of Medical Internet Research (JMIR), 2026 -- Effectiveness of WeChat Public Account Intervention Based on the Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills Model Among College Students With Internet Addiction: Randomized Controlled Trial
  2. Journal of Medical Internet Research (JMIR) — The Mediating Role of Interpersonal Needs in Perceived Parenting Styles and Social Media Addiction Among University Students: Cross-Sectional Study
  3. BMC Psychiatry (Springer) — Effectiveness of a Micro-Video Psychological Training Program in Alleviating Depression and Anxiety While Promoting Resilience: A Randomized Controlled Study
  4. Journal of Medical Internet Research (JMIR) — Effect of Integrated Internet-Based Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Behavioral Activation Among Ethnic Minority Young Adults With Alcohol Use Disorder in Hong Kong: Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
  5. International Journal of Mental Health Systems (Springer) — Examining the effects of engagement with an app-based mental health intervention: a secondary analysis of a randomized control trial with treatment non-compliance
  6. Clinical descriptions and diagnostic requirements for ICD-11 mental, behavioural and neurodevelopmental disorders (CDDR)
  7. Frontiers | Comparative efficacy of psychological interventions for internet gaming disorder: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
  8. Journal of Medical Internet Research - Effectiveness of WeChat Public Account Intervention Based on the Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills Model Among College Students With Internet Addiction: Randomized Controlled Trial

Original Source(s)

Effectiveness of WeChat Public Account Intervention Based on the Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills Model Among College Students With Internet Addiction: Randomized Controlled Trial

  • by Huayu Yang, Anyi Geng, Wenhua Ruan, Yuhan Yang, Fangzheng Xu, Haiyan Shi, Wenzhuo Xu, Kele Jiang, Hao Guo, Sainan Wang, Zheng Hu, Mengting Man, Zhihua Zhang

  • July 3, 2026

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