Changing Family Styles in China: The Influence of Traditional Media and Internet Use on the Acceptance of Premarital Cohabitation

Abstract

This study aims to explore the relationship between media use and Chinese residents’ attitudes toward acceptance of premarital cohabitation (AAPC). We collected data from a national Chinese survey (N = 10,968). The results demonstrated that greater traditional media use was associated with worse AAPC, whereas Internet use was associated with better AAPC. We also found that individualistic orientation could mediate the relationship between traditional media and Internet use and AAPC. Traditional gender role beliefs showed disparate moderating roles in the influence of traditional media and internet use on AAPC. The implications for family therapy practice were discussed.