Digital technology use intensity and public safety perception: the moderating roles of victimization experience and safety values

Introduction Against the backdrop of deepening digitalization and increasingly differentiated public safety concerns, understanding how digital technology use shapes individuals’ situated sense of security has become critical. Based on social cognitive theory, this study investigates the association between digital technology use intensity and individuals’ public safety perception, operationalized as perceived neighborhood security after dark, with a specific focus on examining the moderating roles of victimization experience and safety values in this process. Methods Utilizing large-scale data from the 2023 European Social Survey (ESS), hierarchical regression analysis was conducted on questionnaire data from 33,181 European residents after data cleaning. Results The results reveal that: First, digital technology use intensity is significantly positively associated with individuals’ public safety perception(B = 0.048, p < 0.001), supporting that digital technology may serve as an informational empowerment and social support tool. Second, victimization experience demonstrates a positive moderating effect (B = 0.078, p < 0.001), meaning that for individuals with victimization experience, the positive association between digital technology use intensity and safety perception is stronger. Finally, safety values exhibit a negative moderating effect (B = -0.019, p < 0.001), suggesting that for individuals who place greater emphasis on safety, the positive association between digital technology use intensity and safety perception is weaker, revealing the existence of a “safety values paradox.” Discussion These findings suggest a modest but robust psychological empowerment association of digital technology use intensity in relation to public safety perception, as examined through the lens of perceived neighborhood security, and uncover the complexity of its relationship with safety perception as well as key boundary conditions. The conclusions provide critical insights for public communication strategies and digital governance aimed at fostering informed and resilient communities in the digital era.