Passive Social Networking Site Research Articles

Passive social networking sites use and disordered eating behaviors in adolescents: The roles of upward social comparison and body dissatisfaction and its sex differences

Previous research has indicated a link between social networking site (SNS) use and eating behaviors, but the underlying mechanisms have not been well explored. This study investigated the role of upward social comparison and body dissatisfaction in the relationship between passive SNS use and disordered eating (DE) behaviors, as well as sex differences. A total of 744 middle school students (51.6% female, Mage = 12.87 years, SD = 0.68) completed self-report questionnaires regarding passive SNS use, upward social comparison, body dissatisfaction, and DE behaviors. Results revealed that: 1) girls reported significantly higher levels of passive SNS use, body dissatisfaction, and DE behaviors than boys; 2) passive SNS use was a significant predictor of DE behaviors both sexes; 3) body dissatisfaction mediated the relationship between passive SNS use and DE behaviors for girls; 4) the chain mediating effects of upward social comparison and body dissatisfaction between passive SNS use and DE behaviors were found only among adolescent girls; 5) Compared to boys, body dissatisfaction in girls is more significantly related to DE behaviors, and upward social comparison is more closely related to body dissatisfaction in girls. These findings suggest that passive SNS use, rather than general SNS use, was related to body dissatisfaction and eating concerns. Interventions targeting specific passive SNS users may be an effective avenue for the prevention and management of body-related concerns and disordered eating behavior in adolescent girls.

Passive social network site usage and online compulsive buying tendency among female undergraduate students: a multiple mediation model of self-esteem and materialism

Passive social network site usage and online compulsive buying tendency among female undergraduate students: a multiple mediation model of self-esteem and materialism

Social support and self-concept clarity as mediators between college students’ passive social network site use and loneliness

The current study tested the mediating roles of social support and self-concept clarity in the relationship between passive social network site use and loneliness. A total of 709 undergraduate students (females = 44.15%, mean age = 19.10, SD = 0.95) completed the Passive Social Network Questionnaire, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, Self-Concept Clarity Scale as well as the UCLA Loneliness Scale. Latent variables structural equation modelling analysis indicated that passive social network site use was negatively associated with loneliness. Social support and self-concept clarity significantly mediated the relationship between passive social network site use and loneliness, reducing the risk for loneliness, and with sequential mediating effects of social support and self-esteem. This study’s findings suggest that the passive use of social networking sites can help students gain more social support, improve self-concept clarity, and in turn reduce loneliness. Increasing social support and enhancing self-concept clarity through psychological intervention programmes may be an effective way to reduce individual loneliness.

Risks of passive use of social network sites in youth athletes: a moderated mediation analysis.

With the popularity of social media platforms, the use of social networks challenges the well-being and mental health of athletes. Despite ongoing scholarly discussions about the effects of passive use of social network sites, few studies have examined the relationship between the passive use of social network sites and mental health in young athletes from a social comparison perspective. To address this research gap, we draw on the social comparison and developmental systems theories to explore the mediating effect of upward social comparison on passive social network site use and mental health, as well as the moderating effects of positive psychological capital. We analyzed data about 350 young athletes from professional Chinese sports universities. As predicted, passive use of social network sites by young athletes increased anxiety (β = 0.26, p < 0.001) and decreased subjective well-being (β = -0.35, p < 0.001). Upward social comparisons had positive (β = 0.22, p < 0.001) and negative (β = -0.34, p < 0.001) mediating effects in passive social network site use and anxiety/subjective well-being. Positive psychological capital played a moderating effect between upward social comparison and anxiety (β = -0.28, p < 0.001), and subjective well-being (β = 0.24, p < 0.001); the moderated mediation effect was also supported. Our study informs the current research by highlighting the importance of upward social comparison as a critical mechanism and positive psychological capital as a boundary condition. We suggest actively maintaining and enhancing positive psychological capital to mitigate the adverse effects of upward social comparison.

The Relationship between Passive Social Network Site Usage and the Mental Health of Adolescents

The Relationship between Passive Social Network Site Usage and the Mental Health of Adolescents

The use of social networking sites, body image dissatisfaction, and body dysmorphic disorder: A systematic review of psychological research.

The escalation of social networking site (SNS) usage has led to much research examining both the positive and negative implications SNS can have on well-being. However, whilst many studies have investigated the relationship between SNS usage and body image, there remains a paucity of research in regards to SNS usage and Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD). A systematic search was undertaken using Web of Science, PsychInfo and PubMed databases to identify SNS usage and patterns, SNS features and mediating factors contributing towards body image dissatisfaction, resulting in 40 studies meeting specific inclusion criteria. Findings identified passive SNS use and appearance-focused SNS use as particularly influential. Appearance-based comparisons were also found to be a strong mediator between SNS use and body image dissatisfaction. Using the current knowledge, parallels were highlighted in terms of body image dissatisfaction and BDD symptomatology, suggesting frequent SNS usage as a potential risk factor in the development of BDD symptoms.

Upward social comparison and state anxiety as mediators between passive social network site usage and online compulsive buying among women

Although Social Network Site (SNS) usage has been shown to be related to online compulsive buying among women, little is known about the mediating mechanisms underlying this association. Based on the Interaction of Person-Affect-Cognition-Execution model (I-PACE) for addictive behaviors and social comparison theory, the present study examined the mediating roles of upward social comparison and state anxiety in the link between passive SNS usage and online compulsive buying among female undergraduate students. A sample of 799 Chinese female undergraduate students (mean age = 19.86 years, SD = 1.63) were recruited to complete questionnaires measuring passive SNS usage, upward social comparison on SNS, state anxiety, and online compulsive buying. After controlling for online shopping experience, the results showed that passive SNS usage was positively associated with online compulsive buying; upward social comparison and state anxiety partially mediated this link, which contained three mediating pathways – the separate mediating effect of upward social comparison and state anxiety, and the sequential mediating effect of upward social comparison and state anxiety. These findings can advance our understanding of how passive SNS usage is related to online compulsive buying among female undergraduate students. Limitations and implications of this study are discussed.

Passive social network site use and adolescent materialism: Upward social comparison as a mediator

We examined the role of upward social comparison in the relationship between passive social network site use and adolescent materialism. A sample of 718 Chinese adolescents completed measures of passive social network site use, upward social comparison, and materialism. Correlational analysis results showed that passive social network site use was significantly correlated with upward social comparison and adolescent materialism. In addition, regression analysis results showed that passive social network site use significantly predicted adolescent materialism through the mediation of upward social comparison. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

Passive social networking site use and well-being: The mediating roles of social comparison and the fear of missing out

Passively browsing social networking sites (SNSs) correlates with poorer well-being (Verduyn, Ybarra, Résibois, Jonides, &amp; Kross, 2017). However, less research has been conducted that fully examines what factors may mediate this association. In particular, both online social comparison and the fear of missing out (FoMO) may play roles in how passive SNS browsing relates to depressive symptoms and self-perceptions. The current study adds to the literature by investigating how passive use relates to these outcomes through social comparison and FoMO. For an ethnically diverse sample of college students (N = 717, Mage = 21.47, SDage = 4.64, 69% female), passively using SNSs positively predicted social comparison, which was positively related to FoMO, which in turn positively predicted depressive symptoms, and negatively predicted global self-worth, self-perceived physical appearance, and self-perceived social acceptance. These findings suggest that social comparison and FoMO play a role in the link between passive SNS use, depressive symptoms, and self-perceptions, and that FoMO could result from online social comparison.

The Longitudinal Association Between Passive Social Networking Site Usage and Depressive Symptoms: The Mediating Role of Envy and Moderating Role of Life Satisfaction

Introduction: The relationship between Social Networking Site (SNS) usage and depressive symptoms is a growing concern among mental health researchers and practitioners. The purpose of this study was to better understand the mechanism and context under which SNS use affects depressive symptoms.Method: We did this by examining envy as a mediator of the relationship between passive SNS usage and depression over time, with life satisfaction as a moderator of this mediation effect. The sample included 266 college students, who completed the surveys in two waves.Results: The results showed that envy fully mediated the association between passive SNS usage and depression. This indirect relationship was moderated by level of life satisfaction. Specifically, and unexpectedly, among individuals with higher levels of life satisfaction, more frequent passive SNS use was related to increased envy, which, in turn, was associated with increased depressive symptoms. However, this indirect relationship was non-significant for those with lower levels of life satisfaction.Discussion: Thus, the potential of passive SNS use to increase depressive symptoms through envy among individuals with high life satisfaction should be considered when mental health practitioners design interventions.

The Longitudinal Association Between Passive Social Networking Site Usage and Depressive Symptoms: The Mediating Role of Envy and Moderating Role of Life Satisfaction

The Longitudinal Association Between Passive Social Networking Site Usage and Depressive Symptoms: The Mediating Role of Envy and Moderating Role of Life Satisfaction

Why people use social networking sites passively

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the underlying mechanism of how passive social networking site (SNS) use happens from aspects of impression management concern, privacy concern, and SNS fatigue, and then examine whether sense of membership can work as a moderator in this process.Design/methodology/approachThe authors proposed a research model by integrating impression management concern, privacy concern, and SNS fatigue. A total of 301 valid online questionnaires were collected, and these data were assessed by PLS-SEM.FindingsThe results show that both impression management concern and privacy concern have direct and positive effects on passive SNS use, and meanwhile they can also indirectly and positively affect passive SNS use through SNS fatigue. Besides, the relationships between impression management concern and its outcomes (SNS fatigue and passive SNS use) can be moderated by sense of membership.Originality/valueThis research is novel in focusing on the formation of passive SNS use and providing new insight into some factors which can trigger users’ passive behaviors in SNS usage. The findings will contribute to SNS literature by offering a well proven conceptual model that facilitates the understanding of passive SNS use.

The Reciprocal Relationship Between Passive Social Networking Site (SNS) Usage and Users’ Subjective Well-Being

Prior studies have found an inconclusive relationship between social networking site (SNS) usage and users’ subjective well-being. Passive SNS usage may be detrimental to subjective well-being, because it cannot provide social support and may evoke envy and jealousy. Conversely, it is also possible that lower subjective well-being may predict higher passive SNS usage, which can be used as a means to relieve stress. To examine this reciprocal process, a two-wave study among a sample of Chinese college students was conducted ( N = 350 at Time 1, 265 at Time 2). Data were analyzed with structural modeling. Cross-lagged analysis indicated that passive SNS usage at Time 1 predicted a decrease in subjective well-being at Time 2. Lower subjective well-being at Time 1 also predicted an increase in passive SNS usage at Time 2. These findings deepen our understanding of the complicated association between SNS usage and well-being and has implications for how to help individuals use SNS healthily.

The Mediating Roles of Upward Social Comparison and Self-esteem and the Moderating Role of Social Comparison Orientation in the Association between Social Networking Site Usage and Subjective Well-Being

The increased pervasiveness of social media use has raised questions about potential effects on users’ subjective well-being, with studies reaching contrasting conclusions. To reconcile these discrepancies and shed new light on this phenomenon, the current study examined: (1) whether upward social comparison and self-esteem mediate the association between social networking site (SNS) usage and users’ subjective well-being, and (2) whether the association between SNS usage and upward social comparison is moderated by users’ social comparison orientation. Data from 696 participants were collected. Structural equation modeling revealed that upward social comparison and self-esteem mediated the relationship between SNS usage and users’ subjective well-being. We found that social comparison orientation moderated the association between passive SNS usage and users’ upward social comparison. Specifically, social comparison orientation strengthened the association between passive SNS usage and upward social comparison. The results might suggest a process through which passive SNS usage is related to subjective well-being, and identify a context under which these associations may differ.

Passive social network site use and subjective well-being among Chinese university students: A moderated mediation model of envy and gender

Research has revealed that passive social network site (SNS) use might undermine subjective well-being. However, less is known about the mediating and moderating mechanisms underlying this relationship. The current study tested the mediation effect of envy in the association between passive SNS use and low subjective well-being, and whether this mediating process was moderated by gender. A sample of 707 Chinese university students (mean age=19.06years, SD=1.12) completed anonymous questionnaires regarding passive SNS use, envy, and subjective well-being. Results revealed that the association between passive SNS use and low subjective well-being was mediated by envy. Moreover, the mediating effect of envy was moderated by gender, with the effect being stronger for females. These findings contribute to our understanding of how and for whom passive SNS use predict low subjective well-being, and suggest the need to take gender into account in prevention and intervention programs for problematic SNS use.

Passive social network site use and subjective well-being: A moderated mediation model

The present study examined whether self-esteem mediated the relationship between passive social network site use (SNS) and subjective well-being, and whether this mediating process was moderated by effortful control. 451 college students (mean age = 21.51 years, SD = 1.47) in Hubei province, China, completed anonymous questionnaires regarding passive SNS use, subjective well-being, self-esteem and effortful control. The results showed that the negative association between passive social network site use and subjective well-being was mediated by self-esteem. Moreover, the mediating effect of self-esteem was moderated by effortful control, with the mediating effect being stronger for individuals with low effortful control than for those with high effortful control. These findings can be beneficial to our understanding of how and when passive SNS use impacts college students’ well-being.