Mechanisms Underlying the Effect of Passive Social Network Use (PSNU) on Subjective Well-being (SWB): The Mediating Role of Ruminative Thinking

Abstract

It is worth noting that the widespread popularity of smartphones has not only brought convenience to people, but also the SWB problem that comes with the PSNU has become a growing concern. In a survey of smartphone user groups, it was found that university students are the main force behind smartphone usage. Aiming to explore how the PSNU affects the perception of SWB through reflective thinking as well as to further understand the underlying mechanisms, this study used a questionnaire to survey 321 university students. The results found that: (1) There were significant negative predictive effects of passively using social network sites on SWB. (2) The passive usage of social network sites negatively affects university students' SWB by increasing their personal ruminative thinking. (3) PSNU also predicted life satisfaction through two mediating chains between ruminative thinking and emotions. This is achieved through a mediating chain between ruminative thinking and positive emotions as well as through a mediating chain between ruminative thinking and negative emotions. This study offers more proof of the PSNU has on college students' SWB and offers a solid theoretical framework for future research in cyber-psychology and, consequently, for effective behavioral education.