Adolescents’ online social network use and life satisfaction: A latent growth curve modeling approach

Abstract

The global popularity of online social networks (OSN) prompted concerns about adverse effects on adolescents' psychological well-being. To further the understanding of the relation between adolescents' use of OSN and life satisfaction, we used data from 701 female and 456 male Croatian high-school students collected over a period of 23 months. Multivariate conditional and unconditional dual-domain latent growth curve modeling was used to explore the following research questions: How are changes in OSN use and life satisfaction interrelated; is the association gender-specific; and whether parental engagement plays a role in the relation? The only significant association between the use of OSN and life satisfaction was observed at baseline and only in female adolescents, with higher OSN use corresponding to lower life satisfaction. Among male adolescents, the target relation at baseline depended on parental engagement. Higher OSN use was related to higher life satisfaction in male participants who reported lower parental engagement, but not their peers characterized by higher parental engagement. The gender differences likely reflect gendered motivation for and vulnerability to OSN use. Insights from this longitudinal study contribute to the body of research on psychosocial outcomes associated with adolescents’ use of OSN and can inform educational and media experts.