Social Networking Sites Activities Research Articles

The differential effect of psychopathy on active and bystander trolling behaviors: the role of dark tetrad traits and lower agreeableness.

This study aimed to develop the Global Assessment of Active Trolling and Passive Bystanderism (GAATPB) scale and investigate the influence of personality traits on trolling behaviors. Focusing on the Dark Tetrad (DT) traits and agreeableness, the present study examined their associations and predictive utility on active trolling and passive bystanderism. Participants were recruited from social networking sites (SNSs), and eligibility criteria included active SNS usage and engagement in online interactions. A total of 797 healthy adult students participated in the study, with data from 300 used for the initial exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and the remaining 497 (Mage = 22.25years, SD = 3.37) for the subsequent analyses. Results indicated a significant correlation between DT traits and agreeableness across both active trolling and passive bystanderism, revealing a shared personality profile. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses showed that narcissism, Machiavellianism, and trait sadism were predictors of active trolling, with psychopathy being the strongest predictor. However, psychopathy did not emerge as a predictor for passive bystanderism. The study also highlighted that DT traits mediated the relationship between lower agreeableness and overall trolling behavior, suggesting that trolling manifests from lower agreeableness through the instigation of callous-unemotional, manipulative, and self-centered traits inherent in DT.

The relationship between openness and social anxiety: the chain mediating roles of social networking site use and self-evaluation.

As social networking sites (SNSs) with diverse functions gradually become an important social place for modern people, openness, as a personality trait that represents the willingness to consider diverse things, will be more likely to affect people's cognitive and emotional experience (e.g., social anxiety) in social interactions. This study examined the relationship between openness and social anxiety and the underlying psychological mechanism in the internet age based on the cognitive-behavioral model of social anxiety. This cross‑sectional survey study conducted a questionnaire survey of 522 college students from two provinces in China (191 male; age range 18-25; M = 20.76, SD = 1.34). The results showed that openness is negatively related to social anxiety. Self-evaluation and passive SNS use independently mediate the relationship between openness and social anxiety, respectively. Moreover, openness is associated with social anxiety both through the chain mediating roles of active SNS use and self-evaluation and through the chain mediating roles of passive SNS use and self-evaluation. Openness is negatively associated with social anxiety, and the different ways of SNS use and self-evaluation are the underlying mechanisms. These results provide insights into the clinical treatment of social anxiety and how to benefit from online interactions.

How active social network site use affects green consumption: A moderated mediation model.

A growing body of literature suggests a link between the usage of social networking sites (SNSs) and green consumption. However, researchers have shown that not all types of SNS usage have the same effect on individuals; therefore, to fully understand the relationship between a particular SNS use type and green consumption, as well as the mechanisms underlying the relationship, more research is required. This study examined a moderated mediation model based on self-awareness theory to explain the "how" and "why" of the relationship between active SNS use and green consumption. An offline survey (N = 210) and an online survey (N = 348) were conducted. The results suggest that active SNS use is positively associated with green consumption via public self-awareness and that impression management motives moderate the mediating role of public self-awareness in the relationship between active SNS use and green consumption. By examining the connection between a specific type of SNS use (active SNS use) and green consumption, our study adds to the body of literature on the causes of green consumption. The results have substantial implications for future research promoting socially responsible consumption behavior.

User-Defined Relationships: Exploring the Dynamics of Attachment Style and Motives, Activities, and Outcomes of Social Network Sites

The rise of social network sites (SNSs) provided users with new ways to initiate and maintain personal relationships. Numerous functions (e.g., messaging, sharing, and reacting on content) allow for social interaction customized to distinct relationship needs and behaviors. This study investigated the associations of attachment style with distinct SNS usage patterns. Furthermore, the relationships of SNS (1) motives, (2) activities, and (3) outcomes were examined. In line with previous research, attachment anxiety was strongly related to SNS use. It predicted all relational SNS motives and activities. In contrast, high avoidance predicted a higher motive to use SNS to maintain autonomy, less monitoring activity, and higher scores on social media addiction. SNS motives (i.e., intimacy) partially mediated the relationship of attachment style on SNS activities. Furthermore, certain SNS motives, activities, and combinations of both aspects fully mediated the associations between attachment dimensions and social media addiction. The findings indicate that neglecting the mediating role of SNS motives and activities might partly account for inconsistencies in previous findings.

Does Social Comparison and Facebook Addiction Lead to Negative Mental Health? A Pilot Study of Emerging Adults Using Structural Equation Modelling

Recent research has observed that among the ever-increasing young users of social networking sites (e.g., Facebook), some present problematic use similar to other behavioral addictions. While regular use of Facebook is not systematically associated with mental health disorders, its addictive use has been consistently associated with higher level of depression and loneliness. Therefore, further research is needed in studying the separate impacts of regular and addictive Facebook use on young adults’ lives. The present study explored the role of Facebook addiction and social comparison on mental health and types of social networking sites (SNSs) usage (i.e., active versus passive usage), hypothesizing that addiction and social comparison will predict negative mental health outcomes and higher SNS usage. The study sample comprised 280 students at a British university. The data were analyzed using structural equation modelling to test for the significance of the relationships between these variables as well as the appropriateness of the overall hypothesised model. Results demonstrated that Facebook addiction significantly predicted depression, loneliness, and both active and passive SNS usage, and social comparison significantly predicted the level of depression significantly. The overall model also demonstrated a good fit which indicates that the hypothesized associations between the variables were strong. It is argued that the association between Facebook addiction and mental health could be a vicious cycle because no causation direction can be excluded. The implications of the study findings and future research directions are also discussed.

Active social media use and its impact on well-being — an experimental study on the effects of posting pictures on Instagram

Abstract Active use of social networking sites (SNSs) has long been assumed to benefit users’ well-being. However, this established hypothesis is increasingly being challenged, with scholars criticizing its lack of empirical support and the imprecise conceptualization of active use. Nevertheless, with considerable heterogeneity among existing studies on the hypothesis and causal evidence still limited, a final verdict on its robustness is still pending. To contribute to this ongoing debate, we conducted a week-long randomized control trial with N = 381 adult Instagram users recruited via Prolific. Specifically, we tested how active SNS use, operationalized as picture postings on Instagram, affects different dimensions of well-being. The results depicted a positive effect on users’ positive affect but null findings for other well-being outcomes. The findings broadly align with the recent criticism against the active use hypothesis and support the call for a more nuanced view on the impact of SNSs.

Effects of Psychological Discomfort on Social Networking Site (SNS) Usage Intensity During COVID-19.

To cope with the COVID-19 pandemic, many countries are implementing social measures. Social distancing, working from home, and non-face-to-face lectures have led to major changes in people's activities. Since face-to-face classes are restricted, students in higher education become to feel psychological and cognitive discomforts such as isolation and risk perception. The purpose of this study is to explore the effects of psychological discomforts on the social network site (SNS) usage intensity of University students. Using structural equation modeling (SEM), this study applied SmartPLS 3.3.9 to analyze 271 valid samples. The results show that the affective risk perception significantly affects social distancing attitude. Cognitive risk perception is positively related to social distancing intention. In addition, cabin fever syndrome influences SNS usage intensity, affective risk perception, and cognitive risk perception. In conclusion, psychological discomfort partially affects the intensity of SNS use. Therefore, the government should set policies by reflecting citizens' mental difficulties and SNS activities together. Moreover, companies are needed to carefully consider the risk of the sense of isolation when marketing to SNS users.

Why Are People Addicted to SNS? Understanding the Role of SNS Characteristics in the Formation of SNS Addiction

Research has shown that many people use social networking sites (SNS) excessively, which may lead to various negative consequences. With the aim of reducing SNS addition, this study investigates the role of SNS characteristics in the formation of SNS addiction. By applying incentive sensitization theory in the context of SNS addiction, we suggest that the compulsive motivation for using an SNS is developed by pleasurable and rewarding SNS use experiences. Social network characteristics and communication characteristics, which determine the rewards that users obtain from SNS use, moderate the relationship between habitual SNS use and SNS addiction. We develop novel behavioral measures of habitual SNS use and SNS addiction based on SNS activity logs and empirically test the research model using a large and unique dataset. Besides contributing to the theoretical development of SNS addiction, the results of this study offer practical options to help prevent SNS addiction. Moreover, the measures of SNS addiction enable the automated monitoring of user behavior on SNS, which could be useful for detecting potential SNS addicts.

Vulnerable Narcissism in Social Networking Sites: The Role of Upward and Downward Social Comparisons.

Social networking sites (SNSs) have provided a new platform for people to present their narcissism. The objective of the current study was to investigate the underlying mechanisms between active and passive SNS use and vulnerable narcissism among college students. In achieving this, the study based its method on the media effect and social comparative theory and recruited 529 participants to complete the Surveillance Use Scale, Iowa–Netherlands Comparison Orientation Measure, and Hypersensitivity Narcissistic Scale. The results showed that active and passive SNS use were positively related to upward and downward social comparisons. Active and passive SNS use also indirectly predicted vulnerable narcissism through the parallel mediation of upward and downward social comparisons. This study also revealed the vital role of social comparison in the association between SNS use and vulnerable narcissism.

Social Networking Site Use During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Its Associations With Social and Emotional Well-being in College Students: Survey Study

BackgroundSocial distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic has reduced the frequency of in-person social interactions. College students were highly impacted, since many universities transferred curriculum from in-person to entirely online formats, physically separating students with little notice. With social distancing, their use of social networking sites (SNSs) likely changed during the COVID-19 pandemic, possibly holding implications for well-being.ObjectiveThis study aimed to determine (1) how components of SNS use (ie, weekly frequency, time per day, habitual use, engagement, enjoyment, addiction, and emotional impact) changed from before to during COVID-19, (2) how these changes in SNS use were associated with pandemic-related social and emotional well-being, and (3) how SNS use and changes in use during the pandemic were associated with loneliness.MethodsCollege students (N=176) were surveyed during the time when their university campus in the United States was operating online. Participants completed the same SNS use questionnaires twice, once with regard to the month preceding the onset of COVID-19 and again with regard to the month since this time. They also reported the extent to which they experienced perceived change in social support resulting from the pandemic, pandemic-related stress, and general loneliness.ResultsAfter the onset of COVID-19, participants showed an increase in daily time spent on SNSs (t169=5.53, d=0.42, P<.001), habitual use (t173=3.60, d=0.27, P<.001), and addiction (t173=4.96, d=0.38, P<.001); further, enjoyment on SNSs decreased (t173=–2.10, d=–0.16, P=.04) and the emotional impact of SNS activities became more negative (t172=–3.76, d=–0.29, P<.001). Increased perceived social support during COVID-19 was associated with changes in frequency of SNS use, time per day, addiction, and engagement (r>0.18 for all). Pandemic-related stress was associated with changes in SNS addiction and the extent to which one’s SNS content was related to the pandemic (r>0.20 for all). Loneliness was positively associated with SNS addiction (r=0.26) and negatively associated with SNS engagement (r=–0.19) during the pandemic. Loneliness was also negatively associated with changes in habit and engagement (r<–0.15 for all).ConclusionsFindings suggest that components of SNS use are associated with both positive and negative pandemic-related social outcomes, but largely negative pandemic-related emotional outcomes. Further, some components of SNS use are positively associated with loneliness (eg, addiction) while others show a negative association (eg, engagement). These findings provide a more nuanced picture of how SNS use is associated with social and emotional well-being during the time of a global health crisis when in-person interactions are scarce.

Family factors and personality factors affecting daily SNS usage in individuals aged 14-19 years

Abstract Introduction: In recent years, social networking sites (SNS), such as Facebook, Twitter or Instagram have gained immense popularity and have become an essential part of many people’s everyday lives. In Poland, 19 million people, i.e. about a half of the whole population, are active SNS users. Aim: The aim of the present study was to analyze the relationship of family and personality factors with daily SNS usage time in adolescents aged 14 to 19 years. Participants: The study included 291 junior-high and high school students aged 14–19 years. In this sample, 246 individuals had an SNS profile. Methods: The following instruments were used: an Inquiry Form designed by the present authors, Gough and Heilbrun’s Adjective Check List, the Coping with Stress Questionnaire by Janke, Erdmann and Boucsein and the Buss and Durkee Hostility-Guilt Inventory. Results: Based on correlation coefficients, significant associations were found between increased daily SNS usage and negative relationships with parents, maladaptive coping, and increased aggression. Conclusions: 1. Participants who spent more time using SNS were more likely to feel lonely in their families and have a sense of not being accepted and understood by their parents. 2. Young people who spent more time using SNS were more likely to respond to a stressful situation with a sense of helplessness and resignation and to cope by downplaying their problems and seeking substitute gratification or support. 3. Young people who spent more time using SNS were more likely to respond with indirect aggression, negativism, suspicion, hostility and verbal aggression.

Creating Electronic Word of Mouth Credibility through Social Networking Sites and Determining Its Impact on Brand Image and Online Purchase Intentions in India

The aim of this study is to identify the factors affecting the credibility of electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM) stimulation through Social Networking Sites (SNSs) through an empirical model providing both theoretical understandings and practical implications. The proposed framework explicates the consumer’s use of SNSs as a tool for information sharing and its effect on brand image and online purchase intentions. The consumer survey was done through a structured questionnaire developed in accordance with the literature. Data was collected from 256 respondents, using both offline and online modes from 4 different cities of India. Structural Equation Modeling was employed to estimate the proposed model and determine the antecedents of consumer eWOM credibility and in turn its effect on brand image leading to consumer purchase intentions. The results show SNS activities play a significant role in creating eWOM credibility, which leads to shaping the brand image and purchase intentions. The findings would help companies to create a positive brand image to enhance their purchase intentions through eWOM aroused via SNSs.

Relatedness frustration and compensatory behaviors in social networking sites among Chinese college students: Role of self-control failure

Based on the framework of the self-determination theory, the present study of Chinese college students was designed to investigate the relationships between relatedness frustration and compensatory behaviors on social networking sites (SNSs), as well as the mediating role of SNS self-control failure. Chinese college students (N = 461, 159 males; Mage = 18.62 ± .77) were recruited to complete online questionnaires measuring relatedness frustration, SNS self-control failure, and three types of SNS behaviors (immediate response to SNS signals, self-disclosure on SNSs, and SNS addiction symptoms). Path analyses indicated that relatedness frustration was directly associated with participants’ immediate response to SNS signals and SNS addiction symptoms. SNS self-control failure functioned as a mediator in the links between relatedness frustration and SNS addiction symptoms. This study provided empirical evidence of the relationship between relatedness frustration and SNS compensatory behaviors. Furthermore, the finding on the intervening role of SNS self-control failure offers some insights for designing intervention programs aimed to reduce maladaptive and addictive SNS activities.

Social networking sites and men’s drive for muscularity: Testing a revised objectification model.

The contribution of social media to men’s drive for muscularity (DM) has received limited research attention. This study drew on a revised objectification theory to predict attitudes and behaviors pertaining to DM that arise from using social networking sites (SNSs). A sample of 303 undergraduate men, aged 17–25 years, completed online questionnaire measures of engagement in three SNS activities (browsing or following celebrity, fashion, and grooming sites, browsing or following fitspiration sites, and placing importance on online “likes” and comments). Also assessed were body surveillance, social appearance anxiety, and two indices of DM (attitudes and behavior). Structural equation modeling was used to test an objectification theory-based model of the antecedents of DM. Results supported a serial mediation process comprising paths from two of the SNS activities (browsing or following celebrity, fashion, and grooming sites and placing importance on online “likes” and comments) through, in turn, body surveillance and social appearance anxiety, to DM attitudes but not to DM behaviors. Viewing fitspiration sites predicted DM behaviors and attitudes directly, rather than indirectly. Findings extend objectification theory as a useful framework for identifying the influence of some SNS uses on young men’s DM and suggest strategies through which the negative effects of SNS use on excessive DM may be curtailed.

Social Networking Sites Activities, Demographic Variables, and Students’ Disruptive Behaviours, Implications to Classroom Administration and Management

Social Networking Sites Activities, Demographic Variables, and Students’ Disruptive Behaviours, Implications to Classroom Administration and Management

Social networking and online self-disclosure as predictors of cyberbullying victimization among children and youth

With mass acceptance and use of social networking sites (SNSs), many people now regularly disclose personal information via SNSs. Self-disclosure on SNSs has been connected to higher incidences of cyberbullying, which is concerning for children and youth who use SNSs. The current research aims to examine Internet and SNS activity, online self-disclosure and the education institution phase as predictors of cyberbullying victimization (CV), among children and youth. It was hypothesized that Internet and SNS activity, online self-disclosure and the education institution phase predict CV. Data were collected from 5719 primary and secondary Israeli students (51.9% females) during the 2019–2020 school year via online questionnaires. Regression analyses and moderation analysis were conducted to assess the predictability of CV from Internet and SNS activity, online self-disclosure and the education institution phase. Findings indicate that Internet and SNS activity, online self-disclosure and the education institution phase predict CV, both separately and in convergence. Additionally, CV is more prevalent in primary schools compared to secondary schools, and in male students compared to female students. Implications for school programs and guidelines for parents address the predictive factors of CV found. This study expands the knowledge of the impact of Internet and SNS activity and online self-disclosure on CV.

Examining the Relationship of Online Social Networking Sites' Activities, Customers' Brand Choice, and Brand Perception in Health-Related Businesses.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of online social networking site activities on brand choice for health-related businesses; the study also explored the mediating impact of brand perception on the connection of online social networking site activities and brand choice in health-related businesses. A self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection from 300 customers, randomly selected from health sector businesses in Pakistan. The findings indicate that online social networking site activities had a substantial influence on customers’ brand choice in health-related businesses and that brand perception mediates the connection between online social networking site activities and customers’ brand choice in health-related businesses. The research also recognized the increasing significance of online social networking sites in health-related businesses. The study offers insights for health-related companies and their managers on visualizing brand perception as well.

User Behavior on Online Social Networks: Relationships among Social Activities and Satisfaction

Social networking sites (SNSs) are now ubiquitous communities for constant online interpersonal interactions that trigger symmetric or asymmetric effects on our everyday life. Recent studies advocate in favor of the significant role that SNSs have in promoting well-being and, more importantly, in disseminating reliable information during a global crisis, such as the current COVID-19 pandemic. Based on the growing importance of SNSs to the global framework, the main purpose of this study is to empirically assess the link between the use of symmetric social networks such as Facebook, or asymmetric social networks, like Instagram, and the level of satisfaction, employing the methodology of structural equation modeling. The results of the research validate the hypothesis that SNS activities increase the level of satisfaction, and therefore, that there is a direct link between the number of posts and comments and the level of satisfaction. Furthermore, based on the reversible and significant link between the level of satisfaction and the importance attributed to SNSs, the main conclusion of the study is that the higher the importance of the SNS, the greater the level of dissatisfaction experienced by users. Also, public activities on social networks positively affect social network satisfaction, while private activities have a direct negative relationship with the importance of social networks.

Appearance-Related Social Networking Sites and Body Image in Young Women: Testing an Objectification-Social Comparison Model

In this study, we drew on an integrated model of objectification and social comparison theories to test the associations between young women’s use of social networking sites and their body image concerns. A sample of 338 undergraduate women, aged 17–25 years, completed online questionnaire measures of engagement in three social networking site activities (browsing or following celebrity, fashion, and beauty sites, browsing or following fitspiration-related content, and placing importance on online “likes” and comments). Also assessed were upward appearance comparison, body surveillance, social appearance anxiety, and two indices of body image concerns (drive for thinness and body dissatisfaction). Structural equation modeling was used to test two competing models, both of which posited social appearance anxiety as the immediate precursor to body image concerns. In line with the integrated objectification-social comparison model, results supported a serial mediation model that comprised significant paths from two of the social networking site activities (browsing or following celebrity, fashion, and beauty sites, and placing importance on online “likes” and comments) through, in turn, upward appearance comparison, body surveillance, and social appearance anxiety, to drive for thinness and body dissatisfaction. Viewing fitspiration-related content was associated with body image concerns directly, rather than indirectly. Findings highlight objectification and appearance comparison factors as targets for future interventions regarding appearance-related social networking site use.

Active and Passive Social Networking Sites Usage and Negative Emotions: A Reciprocal Relationship?

Introduction: The increasing popularity of social networking sites (SNS) has stimulated research on the relationship between SNS usage and users' mental health. The current study aims to shed light on the possible reciprocal relationship between type of SNS usage and subsequent mental health among Chinese college students. Method: A latent variable cross-lagged panel analysis (two waves) was conducted (N = 266). Results showed that negative emotions (loneliness, depression) at Time 1 (T1) was positively related to both active SNS usage and passive SNS usage at Time 2 (T2). However, neither active nor passive SNS usage at T1 was found to be associated with negative emotions at T2. Discussion: In this current research, the key finding is that type of usage did not impact on users' mental health. Future research might investigate the role of individual and social factors (e.g., self-esteem and life satisfaction) in moderating the relationship between SNS use and mental health.