The Sociopsychological Motivations and Intervention Strategies for Digital Hoarding Among Young People

Abstract

As digitalisation advances, digital hoarding among young people has become increasingly prominent, emerging as a significant phenomenon affecting both their digital quality of life and mental wellbeing. This paper adopts a logical framework of ‘behavioural definition - motivational analysis - strategy proposal’ to systematically explore the essence, manifestations, sociopsychological motivations, and guidance pathways of this behaviour. Research indicates that youth digital hoarding exhibits characteristics including object diversification and fragmentation, complex motivations, unconscious behavioural patterns, and dual impacts. It manifests specifically in three hoarding forms: information resources, social data, and digital artefacts. Its emergence results from the synergistic interplay of three factors: psychological needs stemming from individuals' lack of security and pursuit of control; environmental triggers such as social information anxiety and peer pressure for group identification; and technological enablers including reduced digital storage costs and algorithmic recommendation incentives. Based on this, this paper proposes a tripartite guidance strategy of ‘individual psychological adjustment - social environment optimisation - digital technology regulation’. This offers theoretical reference and practical guidance for helping young people establish rational digital resource management concepts, construct healthy digital lifestyles, and promote the sound operation of the digital society.