THE ALIENATION OF UNIVERSITY STUDENTS' ONLINE MENTALITY AND COGNITIVE RISK INTERVENTION UNDER ALGORITHMIC DRIVE
Keywords:
Algorithmic recommendation, Online mentality alienation, Information cocoon, KAP theory, Latent profile analysisAbstract
This research investigates the evolutionary mechanism and risk intervention of university students’ online mentality alienation under the deep embedding of intelligent algorithms. Based on the Knowledge-Attitude-Practice (KAP) theoretical framework, a chain mediation model was constructed, and 351 valid empirical data points were obtained through targeted sampling on leading algorithm-driven social media platforms popular among youth. Using Latent Profile Analysis (LPA) and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), the study reveals three heterogeneous groups: "Rational Self-Control" (33.6%), "Immersive Follower" (48.7%), and "Highly Alienated" (17.7%). Findings show that irrational trust in algorithmic recommendations directly triggers cognitive conflict (K) while bypassing the "information cocoon" (which negatively affects defense), sequentially triggering negative emotions (A), uncontrolled internet use, and defensive cognition (P). Notably, digital literacy failed to buffer front-end algorithmic discipline but significantly moderated the "cognitive conflict → uncontrolled internet use" path. This study deepens the micro-psychological understanding of technological alienation and provides empirical evidence for transitioning toward "algorithmic logic de-blindness" in educational intervention strategies.References
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