PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: THE EFFECT OF INTERNET USE FOR GREEN ENVIRONMENT INFORMATION ON CHINESE COLLEGE STUDENTS' PRO-ENVIRONMENTAL BEHAVIORS

Abstract

Based on planned behavior theory and Value-belief-norm theory this research extends knowledge by examining both the direct and indirect effect of Internet use for green environment information on pro-environmental behavior whilst Environmental knowledge environmental attitude and environmental risk perception measure as mediators. The study extends current knowledge by addressing the effect of Internet use for green environment information on pro-environmental behavior gaps eminent in most papers. Consequently, this study provides in-depth knowledge on the mechanisms underpinning the behavior of individuals and also their role as influenced by Internet use. The present study employed structural equation modeling using a survey from a sample of 500 Chinese college students. The results identified that Internet use for green environment information has a direct positive impact on pro-environment behavior and indirectly affects pro-environment behavior through environmental knowledge, attitude, and risk perception. Environmental knowledge and environmental attitude play a mediate role in Internet use for green environment information and pro-environment behavior. This study puts forward the importance enlightenment of online education in colleges to improve the level of green education, emphasizes the importance of the Internet as a means of environmental information dissemination, and guides administrators and policymakers to provide more online green education resources and raise the threshold of online information access, to improve the environmental knowledge and environmental awareness of college students, and encourage college students to adopt environmental protection behaviors voluntarily to promote sustainable development.