The Role of Life Satisfaction in Cybersecurity Awareness a Broaden-and-Build Perspective

Abstract

Cybersecurity awareness refers to basic literacy in the digital age. This study discusses the influencing mechanism of an individual’s life satisfaction on cybersecurity awareness, considering the mediating effects of internet dependence and burnout based on the broaden-and-build theory (BBT) of positive emotions as well as compensatory internet use (CIU) theory. We constructed a theoretical framework and tested hypotheses using regression analysis of a sample of 951 subjects based on a longitudinal survey. The empirical results showed that life satisfaction could impact cybersecurity awareness through the broaden-and-build effects of BBT as well as a need compensation mechanism of CIU. This study provides managers with ideas for promoting cybersecurity awareness by enhancing positive psychology.

Keywords: Life Satisfaction, Cybersecurity Awareness, Internet Dependence, Burnout