Social networking sites self-image antecedents of social networking site addiction

Abstract

This study examined social network services (SNS) self-image and relationship influences on SNS addiction in a cross-national sample of adults (N = 444; South Africans = 214, Americans = 230; females = 49.3%) using survey data collected by the global Entrust Survey. Structural equation model analyses indicated SNS self-image to enhance effect desire for SNS friendship and SNS personal relationships. Moreover, SNS self-image in association with SNS personal relationships, rather than SNS friendships, would increase risk for SNS addiction. From these findings, we conclude that self-image is the latent variable that explains SNS addiction.