JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

During crisis, individuals increasingly rely on digital platforms for information, communication, and emotional support. Cyber behavior - which encompasses online engagement, security practices, and information sharing is shaped by cognitive and emotional factors such as awareness, knowledge, and anxiety. Understanding these relationships is crucial for promoting digital resilience and well-being during wartime and other large-scale emergencies.

Objective:

This study sought to examine how cybersecurity awareness, knowledge, and crisis-related anxiety influence cyber behavior and well-being during a national crisis. Drawing on the Protection Motivation Theory (PMT), the study further explored how cognitive and affective responses interact to shape individuals’ online engagement patterns and subsequent psychological outcomes.

Methods:

A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among 512 Israeli adults aged 18-65 during the ongoing war period (January 2024). Standardized psychometric instruments were used, including the WHO Well-Being Index, DASS-21 Stress subscale, and the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC-10). Media engagement was assessed across ten distinct digital activities. Data analysis employed a comprehensive approach, including cluster analysis, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), regression modeling, and path analysis.

Results:

Cluster analysis yielded two distinct segments: a high media engagement cluster and a low media engagement cluster. Participants in the high-engagement group reported significantly higher stress levels and greater utilization of digital media for news consumption, social networking, and charitable donations (p < .001). Furthermore, exploratory factor analysis revealed three salient dimensions of media usage: active, passive, and institutional. Path analysis indicated that stress was a positive predictor of all forms of media engagement. In predicting well-being, active media use (β = .12, p = .006) and resilience (β = .30, p < .001) were positively associated, whereas passive media use demonstrated a marginally negative association (β = -.08, p = .078).

Conclusions:

Cyber behavior during wartime is demonstrably influenced by both cognitive awareness and emotional stress. Specifically, while anxiety and stress tend to increase online engagement, overexposure to digital media may simultaneously well-being. Therefore, enhancing cyber literacy, cultivating emotional resilience, and promoting balanced media consumption are crucial strategies that can mitigate psychological distress and significantly strengthen digital resilience during crises.