Abstract
In this study, we explore the effect of online and offline sociability on wellbeing and social influence reports. We draw upon happiness studies, communication theories, and the social diversification hypothesis to test the effect of online/offline sociability on wellbeing and social influence. We use a secondary level analysis (N = 532) from a representative US population (49% women) published by the Princeton Institute for Internet studies. The findings indicate that online sociability increases whereas offline sociability has no effect on either wellbeing or social influence. Nonetheless, higher online sociability moderates the relationship between the offline sociability and lower wellbeing and social influence. We conclude that online sociability has a stronger direct effect as well as a spillover effect on offline wellbeing and social influence.
Highlights
The rapid pace of life in the 21th century has limited the time available for nurturing our sociability needs in the traditional “physical” social space (Green & Brock, 2008)
The findings indicate that online sociability increases whereas offline sociability has no effect on either wellbeing or social influence
Offline sociability (OFS) was measured as a sum of reports on the eight items representing the extent of performing social offline activities during the 12 months prior to the survey: attending a political rally or speech, attending an organized protest, attending a political meeting about local, town or school affairs, working or volunteering for a political party or candidate, making a speech about a community or political issue, being an active member of any group trying to influence public policy or government, participating in a walk, run or ride for a cause, and working with fellow citizens to solve a problem in your community (Cronbach’s α = .8)
Summary
The rapid pace of life in the 21th century has limited the time available for nurturing our sociability needs in the traditional “physical” social space (Green & Brock, 2008). The evolution of online technology and introduction of social media has marked a new era of connectivity and sociability that enabled individuals to be involved in a social exchange process and share common interests, information and concerns with others (Tufekci, 2008), without leaving own home or work/study place. Online channels prompt and facilitate creation of and involvement in the social “space” (Das & Sahoo, 2011). These channels may have increased individuals’ levels of happiness affecting their wellbeing and social in-.
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