Use Of Social Networking Sites Research Articles

Effectiveness of digital game-based GISCC program on cyberbullying prevention among Chinese adolescents.

The increasing use of social networking sites has increased the efficiency of social interactions but inevitably contributed to the risk of cyberbullying. Despite evidence of the effectiveness of offline intervention programs for cyberbullying, few have examined online interventions, especially in the Chinese context. This study aims to develop and validate an innovative Game-based Intervention for School- and Cyberbullying for Children (GISCC), which combines training on psychosocial and behavioral components with interactive role-play games. A randomized trial method was used to evaluate the effectiveness of the GISCC intervention, comprising 105 Chinese adolescents who were randomly assigned to the experimental (n=55) and control (n=50) groups. Independent sample t-test, paired-samples t-test, ANCOVA, and MANCOVA were used to test the differences in the trained components before and after the intervention. The results showed that the GISCC intervention significantly reduced cyberbullying behaviors (F=37.50, p<0.001), violence intentions (F=4.95, p<0.05), and mental health problems (F=60.28, p<0.001); and increased self-efficacy (F=18.26, p<0.001), and conflict resolution skills (F=36.46, p<0.001). Our study provided empirical evidence in the Chinese context for digital health intervention approaches for cyberbullying prevention. We also identified the essential components (empathy, self-efficacy, violence prevention, conflict resolution with families) for future research on developing effective digital intervention tools to reduce cyberbullying.

Connected but lonely? The role of social networking sites among older adults experiencing isolation and loneliness

Objectives This study examines the extent to which communications via social networking sites (SNS) ameliorates the emotional distress associated with isolation and loneliness among older adults. Method We utilize the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) for survey years 2014, 2016, and 2018 (N = 8,466). The sample consists of adults (55+) who participated in the Psycho-Social module. Utilizing random-effects linear regression models, we test associations of isolation and loneliness on emotional distress outcomes, including depression, negative affect, and positive affect. Additionally, we assessed whether communications via SNS moderate these relationships. Results Loneliness, compared to isolation, is consistently associated with emotional distress among older adults. SNS attenuates mental and emotional distress among those who are objectively isolated while magnifying the negative impacts of loneliness. The associations between SNS communications and emotional distress are conditional on degrees of isolation and loneliness. In particular, greater SNS use is associated with higher negative affect among those who feel lonely but higher positive affect among those who are isolated. Conclusion SNS may offset social isolation among older adults, whereas heavy reliance on SNS when one feels lonely may amplify that internalization. Assessments of social technology would benefit from distinguishing isolation and loneliness conditions.

Research on the Relationship Between College Students' Use of Social Networking Sites, Perceived Social Support, and Core Self-Evaluation

The rapid development of the internet has led to the rise of social networking sites, which have impacted the psychological health and social adaptation of college students. Existing research shows that the intensity and patterns of social networking site use are closely related to adolescents' core self-evaluations, with perceived social support playing a mediating role in this relationship. This study, based on a questionnaire survey of 231 college students with an average age of 19.5, reveals the intrinsic connection between social networking site use and core self-evaluations. The findings indicate that the intensity and pattern of use significantly affect self-evaluations, and perceived social support partially mediates this relationship.

Internet Use and Depressive Symptoms among Older Adults in the U.S.: Unraveling the Differences by Gender.

The daily Internet use among older adults has increased. This study examines how Internet usage affects depressive symptoms among older adults, focusing on gender differences. Using data from the 2015 National Health and Aging Trends Study (N = 6380), weighted multinomial logistic regression analysis was conducted. Men tended to access the Internet more for instrumental purposes and health-related matters compared to women. Conversely, women used social networking sites (SNSs) more frequently. Men were more inclined to use the Internet for personal tasks and health concerns than women. SNS use was positively associated with mild and major depression in men, while email or texting was negatively linked to their major depression. Internet use for health matters was negatively associated with major depression in women. The discussion emphasizes potential service and policy innovations aimed at leveraging digital technology to improve the mental health of older individuals, considering gender differences.

Consumers’ Motives for Engaging with Company Social Media Accounts: Comparing Western and Chinese Users

Many companies recognize the promises of social network sites (SNSs) for building and maintaining stakeholder relationships. Understanding SNS users’ motives for following company accounts is essential for their SNS strategies. This article investigates cultural differences between Western and Chinese users regarding SNS dependency, motives for following company accounts, and company SNS-related behaviors (following, consuming, engaging). An online survey (N = 388) was conducted in Western-Europe and China. Results show that Chinese users have a stronger SNS dependency and are more inclined to engage with company SNSs than Western users. While transactional motives are important for both groups of users, Chinese users have more relational motives than Western users. In the relation between cultural background and company SNS-related behaviors, two mediation effects were found: SNS dependency and the prominence of the social integration motive are significant mediators. Implications for theory and practice are discussed.

Frequency of probable social media addiction and correlates of problematic social networking sites use in a sample of transgender adults.

Transgender people face many unique challenges. Thus, some of them report excessive use of social media. Our aim was to identify the frequency of social media addiction and to investigate the factors associated with problematic social networking sites use exclusively amongst transgender adults in times of the Covid-19 pandemic. We used data from the "Transgender Survey" HH-TPCHIVG (n=104 in the analytical sample). Transgender people from self-help groups were involved in gathering information about gender-affirming surgery at a German hospital were included. Specific exclusion criteria did not exist. The validated Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale served as a tool to quantify probable social media addiction. In sum, 20.5% of the transgender people are probably addicted to social media. Regressions showed that problematic social networking sites use was significantly positively associated with the presence of a migration background (β=2.41, p<0.05), and a higher frequency of sports activities. In conclusion, our study stressed the challenge of probable social media addiction among transgender people. Knowledge about the correlates of problematic social networking sites use may assist in addressing individuals at risk. The associations identified in this study could be explained, by, among other things, body dissatisfaction (especially with regard to sporting activities) or increased internet contacts (for people with a migration background). Efforts to reduce social media addiction (e.g., awareness-raising, promotion of offline activities, using role models) could prove effective in this group, pending longitudinal research.

The place of social networks in the daily lives of caregivers in adolescent psychiatry

Social networks play an important role in the daily lives of adolescents, even when they are hospitalized in a child psychiatric ward. While they enable them to establish and maintain relationships, and can ease emotional tensions, they can also increase their sense of malaise. Many hospitalized young people report digital harassment, revenge porn or exposure to harmful or even dangerous content. Many hospital wards prohibit the use of cell phones and social networking sites, which nevertheless remain a key part of their care. It is important to support young patients in their use of social networks, andto teach them how to behave safely.

Relationship between Dark Triad and Engagement in Social Networking Sites among University Students

This research examined the Dark Triad Personality factors, namely Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy in the online realm specifically focusing on university students’ participation in Facebook and Instagram. The sample consisted of three hundred and fifty undergraduate students, with ethical considerations ensuring the confidentiality and anonymity of participants and emphasizing the voluntary nature of participation. In this study, the methods employed are correlational and cross-sectional, to understand the association between the dark triad and the use of social networking sites among students aged between 18 and 25 years old. Study subjects were purposively selected using the purposive sampling technique. Participants filled out surveys that included Machiavellianism, Narcissism, and Psychopathy related items and Facebook and Instagram usage involvement. The present study reported that Dark Triad traits (Machiavellianism, Narcissism and Psychopathy) have a considerable contribution in social networking site (SNS) activities and adverse online activities. Demographic factors were also analyzed as important variables in usage of Facebook and Instagram, as well as the level of Psychopathy among users. The evidence shows that the intensity of the three traits, dark triads of personality, is directly related to the degree of engaging in manipulative and self-promoting activities online. The study also analyzed the discrepancies in SNS engagement and Dark Triad traits in relation to gender.

The Influence of Social Networking Sites on the Well-Being of Young Adults in the Sultanate of Oman

The rapid increase in the use of social networking sites is expected to significantly impact the social system of Oman, particularly among its youth. This study aims to evaluate how social media affects the well-being of young adults in the Sultanate of Oman. Utilizing a survey research design, a structured questionnaire was developed, focusing on factors such as usage habits, engagement, enjoyment, as well as the positive, negative, and behavioural impacts associated with social networking sites as independent variables, and the overall influence of these platforms as the dependent variable. The study included 138 young adults aged 18 to 25 who identified themselves as social media users. Results demonstrated that all six independent variables contributed statistically significantly to the prediction of the dependent variable, with p &lt; .05, indicating that the overall regression model is a good fit for the data. The findings underscore the need to promote the effective use of social media platforms. The study emphasizes the importance of community stakeholders providing moral support to educate young adults about the potential long-term negative impacts of social media usage. Additionally, young individuals are encouraged to perform self-assessments of their usage habits to identify early signs of technology addiction. As outlined in Oman Vision 2040, raising community awareness regarding health issues is crucial. The study specifically advocates for a greater understanding of the physical and mental health challenges that may result from excessive social media use and strongly recommends that young Omanis practice responsible use of social networking sites.

Social Media Use and Students' Mental Health

Along with the development of digital technology, social networks are becoming increasingly popular and important in the social life of many countries, including Vietnam. Besides the positive effects of social networks such as creating connections and expanding development opportunities for individuals, social networks also bring many negative effects to people's lives, including students. This article examines the relationship between the use of social networks and students' mental health. By using a convenient sampling method of 383 full-time students at Dalat University, the research results show that the use of social networking sites (Facebook, Zalo, Instagram, Tiktok) is harmful to students' mental health. In particular, Instagram and Tiktok are more harmful than Facebook and Zalo. In particular, frequent use of Instagram at night tends to lead to symptoms of anxiety (very severe), depression (severe) and stress (moderate) in students, and time spent on social media tends to increase students' stress levels. This suggests many policy implications for network operators, managers and students themselves.

Personality-Driven Adoption of WhatsApp and Facebook for Educational Collaboration: Academic Performance as a Mediator

The Big Five Personality Traits—openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism—are widely regarded as a comprehensive framework for understanding individual differences. These traits influence various behaviors, including social interactions, learning preferences, and technology adoption. Objectives of the study were; 1) To analyze the relationship between the Big Five Personality Traits and students' adoption of WhatsApp and Facebook for educational collaboration. 2) To investigate the association between social network site usage and academic performance of the students. 3) To evaluate the mediating role of academic performance in the relationship between the Big Five Personality Traits and the educational use of WhatsApp and Facebook. All 8617 Students of grade 10th of District Attock, (4,868 Boys &amp; 3,749 Girls) at secondary and higher secondary school level in 248 public schools were the population of the study. 816 students were the sample for this study from the population. Proportional Sampling technique was used for sampling. Big Five Personality Tool consists of 39, Usage of Social Network Sites tool consists of twenty nine different items for five basic and commonly used Social Network Sites. Reliability of the tools was found by using Cronbach’s Alpha. For content validity, both research tools were validated from the experts of field of education while for construct validity, EFA was performed. The findings from the PROCESS procedure (Model 4) offer insights into the relationships between Big Five Personality Traits (BFPTs), Academic Performance (AP), and Social Network Sites (SNSs). The analysis shows that BFPTs significantly predict Scholastic Performance (SP), with a positive coefficient of 1.528 (p &lt; 0.01). The model's R-squared value of 0.528 indicates that 52.81% of the variance in Scholastic Performance can be explained by BFPTs. This relationship suggests that students' personality traits are strongly related to their academic performance. Hence, it is recommended that, Interventions should focus on improving both Scholastic Performance and personality traits to help students manage their social media usage effectively.

What Drives Users of Social Networking Sites to Forward Fashion Brand Ads? Exploring the Effects of Brand Equity Dimensions

What Drives Users of Social Networking Sites to Forward Fashion Brand Ads? Exploring the Effects of Brand Equity Dimensions

Social networking behaviour and psychological distress among Malaysian undergraduates during the COVID-19 pandemic

This study investigated the extent of social networking sites usage and its relationship with the undergraduate students’ psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this quantitative correlational study, 212 students completed questionnaires assessing their social networking site use and psychological distress. Descriptive analysis revealed that the students were avid users of social networking sites. On average, almost half of the students used social networking sites more than six times per day while more than onethird of them spent more than three hours each day using social networking sites. Findings also showed that entertainment was the primary purpose of social networking site usage, followed by academic, social, and informational uses. Notably, nearly half of the students reported high levels of anxiety, and approximately one-third experienced significant depression and stress. However, correlational analyses found no significant associations between the length, frequency, and all purposes (social, academic, information, or entertainment) of social networking site usage and the levels of depression, anxiety, and stress. These findings suggest a complex interplay between these variables. Given the ever-increasing use of social networking sites and the alarming prevalence of mental distress among students, further studies are needed to delve deeper into this multifaceted relationship.

A meta-analysis on the relationship between the use of electronic media and psychological well-being

The effect of digital media use on psychological well-being has been debated among scholars and the public for a long time. This study investigates the relationship between various types of media use and psychological well-being. It was proposed that communication media such as phone calls, texting, and instant messaging positively correlate with well-being. In contrast, the usage of social network sites (SNSs) and online gaming would be negatively correlated. To test this hypothesis, we conducted a meta-analysis of 292 studies. The meta-analysis revealed a positive correlation between phone calls and psychological well-being and a negative correlation between online gaming and psychological well-being. However, the overall correlations between digital media use and well-being were weak. Furthermore, the impact of digital media on well-being was influenced by how technology was utilized. For example, using SNSs for entertainment was linked to better well-being, whereas self-presentation and content consumption on SNSs were correlated to poorer well-being.

Exploring the relationship between problematic social networking sites use and depression: A longitudinal study.

The association between problematic social networking sites use and depression is established, yet the directionality remains to be clarified. This longitudinal study investigated the causal dynamics between the two phenomena by administering a questionnaire to 191 college students from a university in Shandong Province, China, across four assessment points with an interlude of four weeks. The study found that the impact of depression on problematic social networking sites use is not consistently sustained throughout the academic semester. Initially, this impact reached significance, but it waned and ceased to be significant during the mid- and late-semester phases. These findings allude to the possibility that depression acts as a significant precursor to problematic social networking sites use. However, the interaction between them appears to be subject to temporal and contextual shifts. Consequently, interventions tackling problematic social networking sites use should progressively pivot from moderating screen time and social media engagement towards enhancing emotional robustness.

Roles involved in school violence: links with the problematic use of social networking sites, self-esteem, and loneliness in adolescents.

The objective was to analyse the relationships between multidimensional self-esteem (academic, social, emotional, family, and physical), loneliness, the problematic use of social networking sites (PUSNS) and the different roles involved in school violence - non-involved, aggressors, victims and victim-aggressors-, depending on sex. Participants included 1,930 adolescents (50.2% girls) aged 12 to 18 years, schooled in the province of Seville (Spain). A MANOVA (4x2) was performed. Significant relationships were observed between the different school violence roles, loneliness, multidimensional self-esteem, and PUSNS. Specifically, depending on the dependent variables analysed, victims-aggressors presented a more negative profile than the rest of the roles observed, and the non-involved showed the best adjustment. It is also remarkable that the groups with the lowest scores in PUSNS are the two groups of non-involved individuals, both boys and girls, and the group of male victims. To finish, we describe the practical implications of the study.

The Impact of Social Networking Sites on the Family Cohesion of Algerian Society: Risks and Pros

Objective: Therefore, the aim of this study is to assess the impact of SNS on family closeness in the Algerian culture while looking at the benefits in addition to the drawbacks of using the technology. Theoretical Framework: Applying Social Capital Theory, Family Systems Theory, and Uses and Gratifications Theory allows the research to explain the connection between SNS and family cohesion and give a coherent concept of how the media affects family bonds. Method: A cross-sectional survey and qualitative interviews were used as main data collection tools from the families of different SES in Algeria; social networking usage patterns were also quantitatively measured by coded questionnaires and a qualitative approach was employed to explore the family dynamics and modes of communication. Results &amp; Discussion: This study revealed bi-directional relationship between SNS and family connectedness ; and, the following are the majority observation : Nevertheless, some families had lesser amounts of direct confrontation and roadside fights. The findings are elaborated in regard to theoretical frameworks. Research Implications: This research emphasizes on family therapy, counseling and education, and use of internet by families. It prescribes SNS usage as a means for a healthy functioning of families. Originality/Value: This work aims at giving a cultural angle to the effects of social networking sites (SNS) on family integration in Algeria while serving to substantiate the prior research on digitisation counterpoint in the area of relationship communication.

System Complexity, Information &amp; Communication Overload, Work-Family Balance &amp; Social Networking Sites’ Tiredness: A Social and Digital Perspective

The use of Internet for constant connectivity with social networking sites has negative consequences in the form of higher mental pressure, low physical and offline activities, and mental tiredness and fatigue. Using these given phenomena, this research explores how system complexity, information overload, and communication overload are decisive factors of tiredness of social networking sites among Chinese individuals. The study also adds the role of work family balance as a predictor in determining the tiredness levels of the use of social networking sites. A survey questionnaire was conducted over a sample of 507 respondents, drawn through non-probability purposive sampling techniques from employees of major Chinese organizations. The Structural Equation Modelling measurements revealed that, except for system complexity, the impact of information overload, communication overload, and work-family balance is significant in causing tiredness of social networking sites. However, while both overload factors were responsible for greater tiredness, a higher balance between work and family tends to reduce it. The study suggests that policymakers should develop strategies through to reduce such tiredness. It was also felt that a more work-family balance should be a panacea for such tiredness among the Chinese people.

Awareness of Social Engineering Attacks and their Relation to the Ability to Persuade among users of Social Networking Sites

Awareness of Social Engineering Attacks and their Relation to the Ability to Persuade among users of Social Networking Sites

Threats on SNS Use in Crisis With Conditional Analysis With Risk Mitigation and Fear of Missing Out

In response to the evolving e-commerce landscape, the study investigates changing patterns of social networking site (SNS) usage during a pandemic. Grounded in the interaction of the person-affect-cognition-execution model for addictive behaviors and the appraisal and coping theory, it explores the depth and extent of SNS usage. Specifically, the study examines the moderated mediating effect of perceived stress (PS) and fear of missing out, with risk mitigation behavior as a moderator. With data from a nationwide survey in Korea with 760 responses, results show that risk mitigation behavior moderates the relationship between infection threat and PS, while PS and fear of missing out mediate the effect of infection threat on SNS usage. The moderated mediation of PS was significant, shedding light on the complex psychological mechanisms that drive SNS behavior during global crises. The findings deepen understanding of how stress and coping strategies shape SNS engagement in response to crisis.