Use Of Social Networking Sites Research Articles

Investigating the Psychological Effects of Social Networking Sites among High School Students from Zagora Directorate of Education, Morocco

The pervasive integration of Social Networking Sites (SNS) into daily life has sparked considerable academic interest, particularly concerning their intricate relationship with, and influence on, young adults. This study examines the psychological impacts of social networking sites (SNS) on high school students in the Zagora Directorate of Education, Morocco. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research combines quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to gather comprehensive data from a sample of 75 students. The findings reveal a complex relationship between SNS usage and various psychological outcomes, including anxiety, depression, and social connectedness. Frequent SNS users report higher levels of anxiety and depression, compared to moderate and low users. Conversely, moderate SNS engagement is associated with enhanced social connectedness and peer support. Qualitative data suggest that the content and context of SNS interactions significantly influence these psychological effects. The study underscores the need for educational interventions and policy guidelines to mitigate the negative impacts while fostering the positive aspects of SNS use among adolescents, especially in a remote area such as Zagora. These insights contribute to a broader understanding of digital behaviour and its implications for youth mental health in educational settings.

An Examination of the Relationships between Pre-service Teachers’ Test Anxiety, Use of Social Networking Sites, and Cumulative Grade Point Average

This study aimed to determine situations or conditions that promote test anxiety, identify the frequent uses of social networking sites, and examine the relationship between social media use, test anxiety, and Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA). A test anxiety and social networking questionnaire which consisted of 49 items was administered to randomly selected pre-service teachers in a college of education at the end of the second-semester examination. A multi-stage sampling technique was employed to select 106 pre-service teachers. The data collected from the respondents was analyzed using Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation Co-efficient, mean, and frequency. In this study, it was found that taking an unannounced examination, feeling one should have done better than he/she did after an examination, waiting to see the results of an examination published, discussing with the tutor the answer one believed to be right, however, that was marked wrong and reading through the examination questions and feeling that one does not know any of the answers promote test anxiety among the pre-service teachers. The pre-service teachers used social networking sites predominantly to read news, get information regarding current social events, conduct research, share new ideas, relieve academic stress, share pictures, and view funny videos. It was found that there is a significant positive moderate correlation between test anxiety and the use of social networking sites among pre-service teachers. It was also found that, statistically, there was no relationship between test anxiety and CGPA, and CGPA and use of social networking sites.

Self-objectification of bodies in social networking sites: Mental and behavioral health problems of young female adults

Social network sites (SNS) are becoming a popular means of “digital leisure” among young adults. Several problematic consequences of extensive SNS use have been reported including objectifying bodies on SNS. Thus, in this study, we aimed to understand the specific pathway between young female adults’ SNS use and mental and behavioral problems using the objectification theory framework. We conducted structural equation modeling of data from 507 Korean female undergraduates to elucidate the relationships between SNS use and self-esteem, depression, abnormal eating, and exercise dependence, and the mediation effects of body surveillance and body shame. A significant direct relationship between SNS use and problematic consequences was found only between SNS use and exercise dependence. Mediation effects of body surveillance and body shame were confirmed in all four relationships. In this study, the researchers expand the objectification theory’s applicability to SNS platforms and identify a potential mechanism of consequent adverse outcomes, providing useful empirical evidence for preventive educational measures.

Profiles of social networking site use and problematic use among adolescents / Perfiles de uso de las redes sociales y uso problemático entre adolescentes

Adolescents’ use of social networks has increased exponentially. Therefore, considerable interest in studying the motives for using social network sites (SNS) and the relationships between these motives and problematic SNS use (PSNU) in adolescents has arisen. This study aimed to examine the relationships between adolescents’ motives for SNS use, frequency of use, numbers of SNS used and PSNU. A total of 1,775 students (50.4% female) aged 11–19 (mean age = 14.11) completed the Scale of Motives for Using Social Networking Sites and the Problematic Social Networking Site Use Scale. The results show that the primary motives for SNS use were entertainment, information-seeking and academic purposes. Significant correlations were found between motives for use and PSNU dimensions except for preference for interaction through SNS and academic purposes. Four user profiles were established based on the motivations for use: discreet users, leisure users, socializing users and hyperconnected users. Those in this last profile scored significantly higher on PSNU, and therefore, identifying adolescents fitting this profile is going to be key to taking appropriate preventive actions.

Social Media: Its Impact on Youth Travelers and Formation of Sustainable Destination Image

Social media is widely used, particularly in the travel industry. With the rapid changes in technology, there has been a substantial escalation in the usage of various social media networking sites like Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram. On these platforms, users are encouraged to make blog entries, upload images of their adventures, and exchange information about their activities and hobbies with other users. Various researchers have examined how social media has the potential to influence the trip-planning process significantly, and it has been concluded that social media has a noteworthy influence on travel decisions. The current study aims to investigate the influence of social media on the travel decisions that are being taken up by the young generation. The present research aims to investigate the influence of social media in the generation of images of various destinations in the minds of prospective travelers. To fathom the influence of social media in the minds of the young generation while they are making travel decisions, a conceptual framework has been developed in the current study with the help of the Technology Acceptance Model. To achieve the objective of inspecting the influence of social media in generating sustainable destination images in travelers’ minds, a sample size of 420 has been taken. Perceived Costs, Perceived Ease of Use, and Perceived Enjoyment have been used to evolve the conceptual model. The findings of the study will play a vital role for online travel marketers as it will provide them insights regarding the way the young generation makes use of social networking sites and how these sites are helpful in the creation of destination images in the minds of these travelers and allow them to modify their online marketing tactics accordingly.

Social Media Authentication and Users' Assessments of Health Information: Random Assignment Survey Experiment.

In an effort to signal the authenticity of user accounts, social networking sites (SNSs) such as Facebook and X, formerly known as Twitter, use visual heuristics (blue checkmarks) to signify whether accounts are verified. While these verification badges are generally well recognized (and often coveted) by SNS users, relatively little is known about how they affect users' perceptions of accuracy or their likelihood of engaging with web-based information. This is particularly true in the case of information posted by medical experts and health care professionals. This study aims to use an experimental survey design to assess the effect of these verification badges on SNS users' assessments of information accuracy as well as their proclivity to recirculate health information or follow verified medical experts in their social network. A survey experiment using random assignment was conducted on a representative sample of 534 adult SNS users in Florida, United States. A total of 2 separate experimental scenarios exposed users to vaccine-related posts from verified medical experts on X. In each case, the original post contained a platform-issued verification badge (treatment group), which was subsequently edited out of the image as an experimental control. For each scenario, respondents were randomly assigned to either the treatment or control group, and responses to 3 follow-up questions were assessed through a series of chi-square analyses and 2 logit regression models. Responses were fielded using a stratified quota sampling approach to ensure representativeness of the state's population based on age, sex, race, ethnicity, and political affiliation. Users' assessments of information accuracy were not significantly impacted by the presence or absence of verification badges, and users exposed to the experimental treatment (verification badge) were not any more likely to repost the message or follow the author. While verification badges did not influence users' assessments or subsequent behaviors, reliance on social media for health-related information and political affiliation were substantial predictors of accuracy assessments in both experimental scenarios. In scenario 1, which included a post addressing COVID-19 vaccine efficacy, users who relied on social media "a great deal" for health information were 2 times more likely to assess the post as accurate (odds ratio 2.033, 95% CI 1.129-3.661; P=.01). In scenario 2, which included a post about measles vaccines, registered Republicans were nearly 6 times less likely to assess the post as accurate (odds ratio 0.171, 95% CI 0.097-0.299; P<.001). For health professionals and medical experts wishing to leverage social networks to combat misinformation and spread reliable health-related content, account verification appears to offer little by way of added value. On the basis of prior research, other heuristics and communication strategies are likely to yield better results.

Time on social networking sites is associated with impulsive decision-making

ABSTRACT Almost five billion individuals worldwide use social networking sites (SNSs) such as Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, and X (formerly known as Twitter). The social rewards obtained on these sites induce users to spend substantial durations of time on them. However, current research demonstrates mixed findings on whether greater time on SNSs is related to riskier decision-making and impulsive tendencies. To address these findings, we conducted an online study (n = 225) to assess how time across four SNSs relates to impulsive decision-making in the delay discounting task. We included each trial as an individual choice in a regression model predicting preference for the immediate reward, for a total of 20,265 choices. Greater average time across all SNSs was related with a higher likelihood of choosing the immediate, but smaller, reward. In other words, people who spent more time on SNSs also made more impulsive decisions. When including individual platforms, greater time on Instagram and X, but not Facebook or Snapchat, was related with a higher likelihood of choosing the immediate reward. These findings help clarify prior literature on the relationship between platform specific SNS use and impulsive decision-making. We discuss limitations, directions for future research, and broader implications for the field.

Issues Related to the Use of Visual Social Networks and Perceived Usefulness of Social Media Literacy During the Recovery Phase: Qualitative Research Among Girls With Eating Disorders.

The patient-centered approach is essential for quality health care and patient safety. Understanding the service user's perspective on the factors maintaining the health problem is crucial for successful treatment, especially for patients who do not recognize their condition as clinically relevant or concerning. Despite the association between intensive use of visual social media and body dissatisfaction and eating disorders, little is known about the meanings users assign to posting or searching for edited photos and the strategies they use to protect themselves from digital risks. This study aims to examine how young women recovering from eating disorders in Northern Italy perceive the health risks and potential benefits associated with visual social networks (ie, Instagram and Snapchat). The literature has found these platforms to be detrimental to online body comparisons. It also explores the perceived usefulness, willingness, and personal interest in coconstructing social media literacy programs with girls recovering from eating disorders. A total of 30 semistructured interviews were conducted with adolescent girls aged 14-17 years at the end of their treatment for eating disorders. The following areas of research were addressed: (1) the meanings associated with the use of Instagram and Snapchat; (2) the investment in the photographic dimension and feedback; (3) the impact of visual social networks on body experiences; (4) the potential and risks perceived in their use; (5) the importance of supporting girls undergoing treatment for eating disorders in using social networks; and (6) the usefulness and willingness to co-design social network literacy programs. Content analysis was applied. A total of 7 main contents emerged: active or passive role in using social networks, the impact of online interactions on body image, investment in the photographic dimension, effects on self-representation, perceived risks, self-protective strategies, and potential benefits. The findings highlight a strong awareness of the processes that trigger body comparisons in the virtual context, creating insecurity and worsening the relationship with oneself. The self-protective behaviors identified are the development of critical thinking, the avoidance of sensitive content, increased control over social networking site use, and a certain skepticism toward developing antagonistic ideologies. All these topics were considered fundamental. The findings provide important insights for health professionals working with youth in preparing media literacy programs. These programs aim to reduce potential risks and amplify the positive effects of online resources. They underscore the importance of addressing this issue during hospitalization to develop skills and critical thinking aimed at changing small habits that perpetuate the problem in everyday life. The inherent limitations in current service practices, which may not adequately address individual needs or impact posttreatment life, must also be considered.

The Use of Social Networking Sites as seen in the Lived Experiences of Students

Over the years, the concern about whether students are still safe to use Social Networking Sites has been more pronounced. Considering it is phenomenological research, this study focuses on describing and analysing the lived experiences of five (5) senior high school students in using social networking sites. Students voluntarily participated in the investigation of the phenomenon following the criteria that they should be a Senior High School Students of any track or strand; 18-19 years old; male or female; and they have account on any social networking sites. The findings revealed that students benefited from the use of social networking sites especially on the teaching and learning processes, entertainment, and communication. However, these pronounced positive effects had their own adverse impact; physically, mentally, socially, morally, and emotionally such as eye problems, loss/gain weight, headache, exposure to pornography, addiction, anxiety, and depression. Despite being considered addicted, they were able to realize the importance of time – management and responsibility. The results will help teachers and curriculum makers of Edukasyon sa Pagpapakatao, Values, and Religious Education comprehend the lived experiences of students have when utilizing social networking sites and the need to integrate digital ethics in the curriculum.

Exploring the Impact of Social Media on the Mental Health of University Students

The number of students using sites for interaction with one another has significantly increased. The massive use of social media among university students is an alarming situation that is causing harm to mental health. This research aims to find out that social media addiction causes some major factors that damage students' irregular sleeping patterns, attitudes, and behaviors. Social media users make and share content for a brief period of time, adding content that enables them to project the perfect image that has a significant impact on their mental health and life satisfaction. The findings show a strong connection between social media use and sleeping patterns and a considerable correlation between mental health and sleep patterns. Additionally, 36.3% of them reported going to bed between 12 am and 1 am respectively. Hence, 29.8% of them claimed their use of social networking sites as the reason for their later bedtime.

“Connect” me! Social networking in commercial real estate

AbstractThe use of social networking sites (SNS) within professional contexts is increasingly prevalent, yet studies examining their impact within the real estate sector remain limited. In this study, using LinkedIn followers as an indicator of professional networks, we investigate the effect of professional networking on performance within the commercial real estate market. By leveraging an agent's LinkedIn followers, we introduce a novel measure of professional network into the real estate literature. Findings suggest that listing agents with a larger number of SNS followers tend to engage in more property transactions, achieve higher sales prices, and experience shorter sale times than agents with fewer SNS connections. Similarly, agents considered “active” on the SNS also perform better than agents that have an account but are not “active.” These findings persist after accounting for various agent, property, and location characteristics, suggesting that SNS can be a helpful tool for real estate agents in utilizing and expanding their professional network.

Unpacking Instagram use: The impact of upward social comparisons on usage patterns and affective experiences in the wild

Users of Social Networking Sites (SNS) often engage in social comparison, an experience that can elicit various affective responses. While previous studies have established important links between social comparison and emotion, the granularity and ecological validity of this work remains limited. To address this issue, we conducted a field study with 40 Instagram users. We unobtrusively recorded their Instagram usage patterns (e.g., time on site and the type of content consumed, such as feed, story, or message). Additionally, we used experience sampling methods and questionnaires to capture their affective experiences, social comparisons, and depression severity. Our results elucidate the interplay between these emotions, traits, and tendencies during Instagram use. Notably, we find that while passive or prolonged Instagram use affects users’ emotions, the magnitude of this effect depends on the frequency of users’ social comparisons. These results can inform the design of systems to improve mental well-being on SNS.

Privacy concerns in social media use: A fear appeal intervention

Privacy violations concern many social networking sites users. Here, we seek to understand how it might affect SNS use reduction. In Study 1, we untangle a mechanism through which this concern drives SNS use reduction. To do so, we leverage the stressor-strain-outcome framework (SSO) and examine whether privacy concerns can trigger fatigue, which in turn motivates intended SNS reduction. To extend this view, we theorize on how SNS addiction can moderate the abovementioned framework. This first study shows that privacy can indirectly lead to SNS use reduction and that addiction negatively impacts the adoption of healthy SNS use. In Study 2, we build on fear appeal theories to examine whether privacy fear appeals can drive actual SNS use reduction. It was demonstrated that privacy fear appeals effectively promote a limited and more controlled SNS use.

Checking in to Check out? The Effect of Boredom on Craving, Behavioural Inhibition and Social Networking Site Use

Checking in to Check out? The Effect of Boredom on Craving, Behavioural Inhibition and Social Networking Site Use

Pseudo-community trust and member self-disclosure: An empirical study

This paper introduces a novel theoretical lens of pseudo-community trust and studies its effect on member disclosure on social networking sites (SNSs). We collect survey data from 229 SNS users and validate the research model using the structural equation modeling method. Findings indicate the effect of pseudo-community trust in promoting member self-disclosure and reveal the contingency of its effect. Moreover, our findings report important antecedents to pseudo-community trust and evidence their indirect effects on member self-disclosure through pseudo-community as a mediator. This research contributes to the trust literature and self-disclosure literature on SNSs.

Feeling phony online – The impostor phenomenon's link to online self-presentation, self-esteem, and social network site use

This study examined the relationship between the impostor phenomenon, self-esteem, online self-presentation, and social network site usage across Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn, and Tinder. The sample consisted of n = 541 individuals (46 % men; Mage = 27, SDage = 8.5). In addition to demographics, quantitative social network site use metrics, and self-esteem, the impostor expression emerged as an incremental predictor for the online self-presentation facets adaptable self (β = 0.26, p < .001), authentic self (β = −0.29, p < .001) and freedom of self online (β = 0.25, p < .001). Self-esteem partially mediated the impostor expression's effect on the authentic self. Findings suggest that a high impostor expression links to lower online authenticity, higher online self-adaption, and a preference for online communication and self-presentation.

Picture perfect: Exploring the relationship between problematic TikTok use, physical appearance perfectionism, and upward physical appearance comparison on body appreciation

Physical appearance perfectionism and upward physical appearance comparisons have a potential role in explaining how the use of popular social networking sites can negatively impact a person's body image. Although there is considerable research on the relationship between body image and problematic Instagram usage, there is little reported on TikTok use. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the mediating relationship of physical appearance perfectionism and upward physical appearance comparison between problematic TikTok use and body appreciation. The sample included 185 TikTok users. Serial mediation analysis revealed a significant indirect negative relationship between problematic TikTok use and body appreciation through physical appearance perfectionism, but not upward physical appearance comparison, or physical appearance perfectionism and upward physical appearance comparison in serial. Thus, with the rapid growth of TikTok, this study highlights the importance of identifying the individuals who may be more vulnerable to the effects of the app. We suggest possible practice implications such as the implementation of screening strategies to identify those high in physical appearance perfectionism, and the development of workshops aimed at promoting positive body image in the face of SNS use.

Disentangling user fatigue in WeChat use: the configurational interplay of fear of missing out and overload

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine how the interplay of stressor (e.g. fear of missing out, FoMO) and strains (e.g. perceived social overload, communication overload, information overload and system feature overload) in social networking sites (SNS) use can contribute to users’ SNS fatigue from a configurational view.Design/methodology/approachData were collected among 363 SNS users in China via an online survey, and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) was applied in this study to scrutinize the different combinations of FoMO and overload that contribute to the same outcome of SNS fatigue.FindingsSix combinations of casual conditions were identified to underlie SNS fatigue. The results showed that FoMO, perceived information overload and system feature overload are the core conditions that contribute to SNS fatigue when combined with other types of overloads.Originality/valueThe current work supplements the research findings on SNS fatigue by identifying the configurations contributing to SNS fatigue from the joint effects of stressor (FoMO) and strain (perceived social overload, communication overload, information overload and system feature overload) and by providing explanations for SNS fatigue from the configurational perspective.

Stacked Noise Reduction Auto Encoder–OCEAN: A Novel Personalized Recommendation Model Enhanced

With the continuous development of information technology and the rapid increase in new users of social networking sites, recommendation technology is becoming more and more important. After research, it was found that the behavior of users on social networking sites has a great correlation with their personalities. The five characteristics of the OCEAN personality model can cover all aspects of a user’s personality. In this research, a micro-directional propagation model based on the OCEAN personality model and a Stacked Denoising Auto Encoder (SDAE) was built through the application of deep learning to a collaborative filtering technique. Firstly, the dimension of the user and item feature matrices was lowered using SDAE in order to extract deeper information. The user OCEAN personality model matrix and the reduced user feature matrix were integrated to create a new user feature matrix. Finally, the multiple linear regression approach was used to predict user-unrated goods and generate recommendations. This approach allowed us to leverage the relationships between various factors to deliver personalized recommendations. This experiment evaluated the RMSE and MAE of the model. The evaluation results show that the stacked denoising auto encoder collaborative filtering algorithm can improve the accuracy of recommendations, and the user’s OCEAN personality model improves the accuracy of the model to a certain extent.

Beyond lazy; external locus of control as an alternative explanation for the privacy paradox

PurposeThe privacy paradox refers to the situation where users of online services continue to disclose personal information even when they are concerned about their privacy. One recent study of Facebook users published in Internet Research concludes that laziness contributes to the privacy paradox. The purpose of this study is to challenge the laziness explanation. To do so, we adopt a cognitive dispositions perspective and examine how a person’s external locus of control influences the privacy paradox, beyond the trait of laziness.Design/methodology/approachA mixed method approach is adopted. We first develop a research model which hypothesises the moderating effects of both laziness and external locus of control on privacy issues. We quantitatively test the research model through a two-phase survey of 463 Facebook users using the Hayes PROCESS macro. We then conduct a qualitative study to verify and develop the findings from the quantitative phase.FindingsThe privacy paradox holds true. The findings confirm the significant influence of external locus of control on the privacy paradox. While our quantitative findings suggest laziness does not affect the association between privacy concerns and self-disclosure, our qualitative data does provide some support for the laziness explanation.Originality/valueOur study extends existing research by showing that a person’s external locus of control provides a stronger explanation for the privacy paradox than the laziness perspective. As such, this study further reveals the boundary conditions on which the privacy paradox exists for some users of social networking sites, but not others. Our study also suggests cognitive dissonance coping strategies, which are largely absent in prior investigations, may influence the privacy paradox.