Impact of compulsive use of mobile social networking sites on discontinuous intentions of users: a perspective of stressor-strain-outcome model

Abstract

Cumulative evidence has demonstrated that compulsive use of mobile social networking site (SNS) applications, in particular among emerging adults, is a growing problem. Therefore, we propose a research model based on the stressor-strain-outcome (SSO) framework to explore the impact of compulsive use of mobile SNS applications on discontinuous intentions of SNS users. To test the proposed model and hypothesis, 956 mobile SNS users in China participated in the study. Findings reveal that compulsive use of mobile SNSs directly impacts techno-exhaustion and also a positive significant relationship exists between techno-exhaustion and discontinuous intentions of SNS users. The moderation analysis shows that social support weakens the relationship between compulsive use of mobile SNSs and techno-exhaustion. Implications emphasise that social, emotional and information support on SNS platforms should be provided to reduce the negative consequences induced through compulsive SNS usage.