This study examines how young Douyin users navigate algorithm-driven short video platforms, emphasizing their sense of agency (SoA) in shaping engagement strategies. Based on in-depth interviews with 25 users, we identified four engagement statuses—High SoA Use, Low SoA Use, High SoA Nonuse, and Low SoA Nonuse—and two strategic transitions: Disengagement and Reengagement. These transitions illustrate users’ reflective processes regarding past behaviors and highlight deliberate efforts to regain control over platform use. Our findings reveal a complex interplay between user autonomy and algorithmic influence, highlighting the psychological mechanisms underpinning user-driven adaptations. By exploring users’ psychological coping strategies, this study positions user agency as central to fostering sustainable interactions with algorithmic platforms. By advancing our understanding of algorithmic engagement, this research emphasizes user autonomy and offers actionable insights into strategic adaptations, digital wellness, and algorithmic literacy, suggesting the value of mindful social media use.

中文翻译：

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乘着短视频浪潮：抖音年轻用户的运动能动感

本研究考察了年轻的抖音用户如何在算法驱动的短视频平台上导航，强调他们在制定互动策略时的代理感 （SoA）。基于对 25 名用户的深入访谈，我们确定了四种参与状态——高 SoA 使用、低 SoA 使用、高 SoA 不使用和低 SoA 不使用——以及两个战略转变：脱离和重新参与。这些转换说明了用户对过去行为的反思过程，并突出了为重新获得对平台使用的控制权而做出的刻意努力。我们的研究结果揭示了用户自主性和算法影响之间复杂的相互作用，突出了支撑用户驱动适应的心理机制。通过探索用户的心理应对策略，本研究将用户能动性定位为促进与算法平台可持续互动的核心。通过推进我们对算法参与的理解，这项研究强调用户自主性，并提供了对战略适应、数字健康和算法素养的可行见解，表明了谨慎使用社交媒体的价值。