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Published on 26 December 2024
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Zhu,M. (2024). The Moderating Role of Social Media Use on Paid Knowledge Consumption Intention in China: A Generation Z Perspective. Communications in Humanities Research,61,31-38.
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The Moderating Role of Social Media Use on Paid Knowledge Consumption Intention in China: A Generation Z Perspective

Mingyang Zhu *,1,
  • 1 Sichuan Fine Arts Institute

* Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.

https://doi.org/10.54254/2753-7064/2025.18983

Abstract

With social media becoming a dominant platform, its use is frequently explored as a variable in various research contexts. Generation Z, being the digital natives, is deeply connected to social media, which has a considerable influence on their behaviors. This study examines Paid Knowledge Consumption (PKC), an emerging method of acquiring knowledge, and applies the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) to assess whether social media usage moderates Generation Z’s intention toward PKC. Specifically, the study investigates the moderating role of social media use in the relationships between attitude, social norms, perceived behavioral control, and intention to engage in PKC. Data were collected from a sample of 211 Generation Z respondents using a quantitative research approach. Regression and moderation analyses were conducted after confirming model fit indices and Cronbach's alpha reliability. The regression analysis indicated that attitude, social norms, and perceived behavioral control significantly influenced PKC intention. However, the moderation analysis revealed that social media usage did not significantly moderate the relationship between the independent variables (attitude, social norms, perceived behavioral control) and PKC intention. These findings suggest that social media use does not affect Generation Z's intention to engage in PKC through its influence on these key factors.

Keywords

Theory of Planned Behavior, Paid Knowledge Consumption, Social Media Use, Moderation

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Cite this article

Zhu,M. (2024). The Moderating Role of Social Media Use on Paid Knowledge Consumption Intention in China: A Generation Z Perspective. Communications in Humanities Research,61,31-38.

Data availability

The datasets used and/or analyzed during the current study will be available from the authors upon reasonable request.

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About volume

Volume title: Proceedings of the 4th International Conference on Literature, Language, and Culture Development

Conference website: https://2025.icllcd.org/
ISBN:978-1-83558-777-5(Print) / 978-1-83558-778-2(Online)
Conference date: 12 May 2025
Editor:Rick Arrowood
Series: Communications in Humanities Research
Volume number: Vol.61
ISSN:2753-7064(Print) / 2753-7072(Online)

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