This research examined the relationships among positive orientation, types of social network sites (SNS) usage, and social capital. 235 private university students in Malaysia, aged from 18 to 30 (M = 19.64, SD = 1.50), participated in this research. They completed items that reflect on self-esteem, life satisfaction, optimism, the intensity of SNS use, the three connection strategies employed on SNS, and the bridging and bonding aspects of social capital. Factor analysis supported that self-esteem, life satisfaction, and optimism formed a single construct that was interpreted as positive orientation or positivity. Analyses revealed that the specific indirect effects of active use of SNS and the enacted SNS connection strategies on the relationship between positive orientation and social capital were not significant. Results revealed that the inclination to use SNS to seek relevant social information facilitated both weak and strong ties. Despite the benefits of SNS on the development of social capital, individuals with high positivity were able to form weak and strong ties that are beneficial without relying on these online platforms. The implications of the results and directions for future research are discussed.

BackgroundResearch suggests that individuals with a mental health diagnosis often engage in social media to access support for their diagnosis. However, there is a lack of information on online usage in those diagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD). Furthermore, there is little research using qualitative interviews to examine the use of social media, such as YouTube, for psychological support.PurposeThe aim of the present study was to explore experiences of YouTube in individuals diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, including its impact on their offline lives.MethodsSix participants were recruited on social media; all those who contacted the researcher and met inclusion criteria were interviewed. Semi-structured interviews were used, lasting between 40 and 60 min. Data were transcribed verbatim and analysed using interpretive phenomenological analysis.FindingsThe analysis produced two global themes: ‘YouTube as a form of self-help’ and ‘YouTube transforming the self’.LimitationsAll the participants were female, limiting transferability of the findings.OriginalityThis paper is the first to show that YouTube could be used in addition to regular support to initiate recovery for those with BPD. It could provide them with a way to reduce self-stigma, enhance self-awareness and learn coping techniques.

Time management and fluid intelligence have been studied in relation to academic success. Traditionally, fluid intelligence has been measured using performance tests (also called objective tests) meanwhile time management has been measured using self-reports. However, self-reports can be affected by bias and sometimes participant’s responses are inaccurate. To address this limitation, we employed objective tests to measure both fluid intelligence (using the TRASI test) and time management (using the My Schedule test) to investigate their relation to academic grades. The sample consisted of 120 university students. Results indicate a positive relation between time management and fluid intelligence. Fluid intelligence is positively related to grades in mathematics. Time management is positively related to mathematics, physics and chemistry grades. While the present study does not establish causality, the results complement prior research and underscore the significance of time management and fluid intelligence in the academic context.