The effects of facebook use on network social capital and subjective well-being: A generational cohort analysis from the Taiwan social change survey

Abstract

With high penetration rate of social media, the influence of social media use on individuals and society has become an imperative area of research. By leveraging Taiwan national survey data on social change, this study aims to explore the effect of Facebook use on network social capital and subjective well-being across generations, and the moderating effect of generations. The findings show that (1). Facebook use may not significantly directly contribute to subjective well-being; (2) Facebook use may significantly contribute to users’ accrual of network social capital; (3). Network social capital can increase subjective well-being; (4). Network social capital mediates the relationship between Facebook use and subjective well-being and, (5). Generational membership may partially moderate the relationships between Facebook use and network social capital, and the indirect relationship between Facebook use and subjective well-being.