Social Networking Service Users Research Articles

The Relationship among Influencer Interpersonal Trust, Brand Image and Purchase Intention for SNS(Social Network Service) Users

The Relationship among Influencer Interpersonal Trust, Brand Image and Purchase Intention for SNS(Social Network Service) Users

Alternative certification candidates' attitudes towards using technology in education and use of social networking services: A comparison of sports sciences and foreign language graduates

The purpose of the research was to investigate the relationships between alternative certification candidates' attitudes towards using technology in education and their use of social networking services (SNSs). Participants were 156 pre-service teachers enrolled in the alternative certification program at a public university in Turkey (N = 156). The research was designed as a correlational study. Data were collected by Attitude towards Using Technology in Education Scale in addition to demographics form including questions about SNS usage. Data were analysed by Mann "Whitney U test and Spearman's rank-order correlation coefficient. Alternative certification candidates had strong attitudes towards improving themselves in using technology in education. However, their attitudes towards using educational technology in instructional processes and classroom management were weaker. Alternative certification candidates were observed to be close to low-risk class of problematic social media use indicating negative emotional states. The results indicated that instructional programs that participants engaged in during their undergraduate studies seem to have an influence on developing familiarity with and competence in technology. Keywords: Alternative certification, attitude, social networking service, teacher training, technology integration.

Chinese Tourists’ Barriers to Sharing Travel Photos in WeChat

Given the widespread availability of mobile internet and smart phones, photo-sharing on social networking services (SNS) has attracted a great deal of academic attention. Even though the number of photos shared on SNS is still increasing due to the increasing number of SNS users, some existing SNS users have now stopped sharing their travel photos on SNS. To fill the research gap, this paper explores Chinese tourists’ barriers to sharing travel photos in WeChat. Based on 20 semi-structured interviews, this study identifies four barriers, including perceived risk, guanxi maintenance, personality, and disclosure. Given the importance of harmony in Chinese culture, this study also highlights the strong link between guanxi maintenance and Chinese visitors’ willingness to share travel photos in WeChat. This paper discusses both the theoretical contribution and the practical implications of this study in the conclusion section.

Association among social-networking service usage via smartphone, internet addiction, and psychological stress in Japanese physical therapy university students: a single-university cross-sectional study.

[Purpose] This study aimed to examine the influence of social-networking service usage via smartphone on internet addiction and psychological stress in Japanese university students studying physical therapy. [Participants and Methods] This single-university cross-sectional study involved 247 physical therapy students in the second to fourth years (ages 19 to 22). By use of self-administered questionnaires, we collected information on daily time of smartphone usage, social-networking service usage via smartphone, and daily self-learning time outside of class hours. We assessed internet addiction and psychological stress using the Internet Addiction Test and Stress Response Scale-18, respectively. After excluding twelve participants, we analyzed the data collected for the other 235. [Results] Multiple regression analysis showed an association of the Internet Addiction Test score with gender and daily time of smartphone usage. “Surfing without any purpose”, which is one of the purposes of social-networking service usage, and the Internet Addiction Test score were associated with the Stress Response Scale-18 score. Other variables were not associated with the Internet Addiction Test or Stress Response Scale-18 scores. [Conclusion] Our results suggest that gender (males), longer time of smartphones usage, or using social-networking service usage passively cause internet addiction or psychological stress in Japanese physical therapy university students.

Fun or Frustration: Modelling Discontinuance Intention of Social Media Users

Excessive usage of social network services (SNS) can lead to exhaustion and frustration, which, in turn, can induce SNS discontinuance intention. In this study, the negative factors when using SNS are empirically tested. We constructed a research model that explores the effects of social overload, disclosure, and pattern of SNS use on SNS-induced exhaustion and frustration. We also examined the influence of exhaustion and frustration on SNS discontinuance intention. An empirical study of 170 SNS users from Bangladesh provides support for our hypotheses. Partial least squares algorithm is implemented to test the hypotheses. The result reveals significant influence of frustration on SNS discontinuance intention. The paper contributes by identifying several factors. Both theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

Social network services and their effects on network social capital: an instrumental variables approach

The purpose of this study is to examine the association between social network services and network social capital while adopting an instrumental variables approach. This study includes a simple random sample of 491 respondents gathered through a cross-sectional survey in South Korea. The results show that users of social network services were higher in their network social capital in comparison with non-users of social network services. The results further suggest that it is high intensity users rather than low intensity users who are higher in network social capital than non-users of social network services. The current study contributes to the literature as it empirically investigates the association between social network services and network social capital, while including non-users of social network and tackling the possible endogeneity problem of the usage of social network services.

Social network services and their effects on network social capital: An instrumental variables approach

The purpose of this study is to examine the association between social network services and network social capital while adopting an instrumental variables approach. This study includes a simple random sample of 491 respondents gathered through a cross-sectional survey in South Korea. The results show that users of social network services were higher in their network social capital in comparison with non-users of social network services. The results further suggest that it is high intensity users rather than low intensity users who are higher in network social capital than non-users of social network services. The current study contributes to the literature as it empirically investigates the association between social network services and network social capital, while including non-users of social network and tackling the possible endogeneity problem of the usage of social network services.

Social network service based on ABC theory

BACKGROUND: The rapid development of information technology has changed the interactive behaviors in people’s daily lives. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this paper is to investigate as to whether the characteristics of the social network service (SNS) can increase the motivation (antecedent) of the SNS users; and in turn, increase their affection and cognitive (beliefs) towards the SNS; and then increase their purchase behavior (consequence). METHODS: This study uses the antecedent belief consequence (ABC) theory, and collects data from the SNS users in Taiwan, with a total of 188 valid surveys were completed for model testing. RESULTS: The findings show that: (1) The SNS characteristics (information and service qualities), indeed, have influenced the affection and cognitive of the SNS users, but the system quality can only influence the affection of the SNS users. (2) The purchase behavior of the SNS users have been influenced by the cognitive of the SNS users only, but not by the affection. CONCLUSIONS: The result demonstrates that the beliefs of the SNS users should be considered when the researchers investigate the purchase behavior of the SNS users. This paper also discusses the contribution to the research and the SNS management practice.

THE APPROACH TO DEVELOPMENT OF THE ELEMENTS OF THE STRUCTURE OF THE DESTRUCTIVE IMPACT DETECTION SYSTEM IN CYBER SPACE

The article addresses the problematic issue of analyzing information and detecting destructive effects in cyberspace. With the increasing number of users of social information network services every year, and given the significant advantages of the global information environment over conventional media and technologies, issues of information and cyber security in electronic media (cyberspace) in the world where appropriate organizational structures to counteract the hybrid organization Typically, an increase in the amount and density of the destructive information flow (destructive effects) and their types is accomplished by an increase in the structure elements for their intended purpose and the level that generates al structures are created. threats. This requires the creation of appropriate structures in Ukraine. information redundancy for processing. The above does not allow to realize prompt detection of destructive effects (destructive cyberdias), dynamic redistribution of limited forces and means of observation and actions taking into account the level of realization and efficiency of current tasks and informativeness and availability of sources of data about the external situation and preventing the functioning of information conditions, can disrupt the adversary's cyber response targets. Given the above, the purpose of the article is to highlight the approach to building elements of the structure of the system of detection of destructive impact (destructive cyberdias) in cyberspace within the creation in the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine and the Armed Forces of Ukraine of the appropriate System (organizational structure) and will focus on its element, which implements to identify and evaluate destructive effects. Based on the defined criteria and taking into account the indicators of destructive impact, the structure of the element of the system of detection of destructive influence in electronic media (cyberspace) for the detection and evaluation of destructive influence is formed.

The approach to automated detection of destructive cyber influences

Issues of information analysis and detection of destructive effects in cyberspace and across cyberspace are considered. In 2019, we confirmed the global trend in the growth of the number of users of social information network services. Therefore, the importance of ensuring the fulfillment of information and cyber security tasks in electronic media and cyberspace analysis is increasing today. Taking into account the global trends in the detection of destructive cyber influences and in order to fulfill the tasks defined by the governing documents of the state, it is necessary to monitor cyberspace and the detection of destructive cyber influences (at the stages of planning, preparation and direct information actions). To implement the above, it is necessary to address the issue of developing appropriate models and methods for the automatic detection of destructive cyber influences. In order to create a basis for scientific research, the following studies were conducted: methods of analysis of information available in cyberspace for the detection of destructive cyber influences; advantages and disadvantages of known methods of detecting destructive cyber-influences; known cyberspace monitoring systems. The main features (functions) of known cyberspace monitoring systems are: keyword data search and fixation of available information about information disseminators (their total number, activity over a certain period, actor accounts, gender, age, geographical location, audience reach). There is a need to identify approaches in developing decision support methods and models regarding the detection of destructive cyber influences in cyberspace. In developing an approach to detecting destructive cyber-influences, an ontology method is used in the first stage to structure information (text content rubrics). Advantages of using ontological diagrams in the process of information impact detection are: the presentation of the subject area (problems) in tabular or graph form, the detection of hidden relationships, the accumulation and analysis of information online, checking the consistency of facts. In the second stage, a filter-matrix is applied that reflects the processes (planning, preparation and direct implementation of information actions) of a classic NATO information operation. The prospect of further research is to develop a method for the automated detection of destructive cyber influences in cyberspace.

Use of Social Media for Informal Language Learning by Malaysian University Students

Social networking services (SNSs) are a much-touted technology for improved learning, yet very little research goes beyond the classroom-level controlled application of SNSs. This paper provides a look at reported usage and application of SNSs beyond the classroom, where data is scarce. The paper describes an investigation on whether Malaysian university students think SNSs are helpful for learning English, and the areas of language proficiency that these students perceived to benefit the most from their usage of SNSs. A total of 6,085 students participated in the online survey. Results indicate that an overwhelming majority (99.7%) make use of SNSs to learn English outside the classroom and 97.4% of these believe their use of SNSs helps improve their proficiency. The respondents indicated that the areas of proficiency that benefitted the most from their use of SNSs are writing, communication, vocabulary development and reading. In contrast, grammar as well as listening and speaking benefitted the least. The results presented a much needed, and currently lacking, view into the actual utility and use of SNSs for the purpose of informal learning of English among students in Malaysian universities. Keywords: informal language learning; social media; language skills; language acquisition

Requirements for private communications over public spheres

Purpose In the Web 2.0 era, users massively communicate through social networking services (SNS), often under false expectations that their communications and personal data are private. This paper aims to analyze privacy requirements of personal communications over a public medium. Design/methodology/approach This paper systematically analyzes SNS services as communication models and considers privacy as an attribute of users’ communication. A privacy threat analysis for each communication model is performed, based on misuse scenarios, to elicit privacy requirements per communication type. Findings This paper identifies all communication attributes and privacy threats and provides a comprehensive list of privacy requirements concerning all stakeholders: platform providers, users and third parties. Originality/value Elicitation of privacy requirements focuses on the protection of both the communication’s message and metadata and takes into account the public–private character of the medium (SNS platform). The paper proposes a model of SNS functionality as communication patterns, along with a method to analyze privacy threats. Moreover, a comprehensive set of privacy requirements for SNS designers, third parties and users involved in SNS is identified, including voluntary sharing of personal data, the role of the SNS platforms and the various types of communications instantiating in SNS.

Effects of social network services (SNS) subjective norms on SNS addiction

We examined social network services (SNS) influence on SNS subjective norms for connectivity, perceived pleasure, and addiction. Utilising survey data of ordinary South Africans (N = 927; female = 393), collected by a global research institution (Entrust Survey) between 1 and 10 October 2019. We performed structural equation modelling to map the SNS influences on social connectivity, pleasure, and addition. Our findings indicate SNS subjective norms positively influence connectivity. Additionally, SNS subjective norms and connectivity positively influence perceived pleasure. The interactive term for SNS subjective norms, perceived pleasure, and connectivity had positive effects on SNS addiction. Therefore, the social factors of subjective norms appear to influence SNS usage, which in turn leads to behavioural changes such as seeking pleasure from their usage.

Exploring the antecedents of social network service fatigue: a socio-technical perspective

Purpose Despite the various benefits of social networking services (SNSs), users have begun to experience fatigue in recent years, as evidenced by a decline in active user numbers. This relatively new phenomenon has only recently received significant managerial and academic attention. The antecedents of SNS fatigue are still unclear in the literature. The purpose of this paper is to identify the key factors causing SNS fatigue, based on a socio-technical approach. Design/methodology/approach The authors empirically tested this research model with 424 SNS users via an online survey. Structural equation modeling with partial least squares was used to analyze the data. Findings The results showed that the social factors of social comparison, social interaction overload, social surveillance and social information overload, and the technical factor of system complexity are significantly related to SNS fatigue. Practical implications This research benefits SNS providers by allowing them to better understand how to effectively design social networking platforms to retain and attract more users. It also benefits users by providing guidance on how to actively manage their own behavior to avoid potential negative outcomes induced by SNS usage. Originality/value This study focuses on the “dark side” of SNS from the perspective of fatigue, extending existing research on technostress. It also extends the applicability of the socio-technical approach to the phenomenon of SNS fatigue. Moreover, it enriches SNS fatigue research by addressing the importance of both social and technical factors in causing SNS fatigue.

Expert Finding Considering Dynamic Profiles and Trust in Social Networks

Recently, social network services that express individual opinions and thoughts have been significantly developed. As unreliable information is generated and shared by arbitrary users in social network services, many studies have been conducted to find users who provide reliable and professional information. In this paper, we propose an expert finding scheme to discover users who can answer users’ questions professionally in social network services. We use a dynamic profile to extract the user’s latest interest through an analysis of the user’s recent activity. To improve the accuracy of the expert finding results, we consider the user trust and response quality. We conduct a performance evaluation with the existing schemes through various experiments to verify the superiority of the proposed scheme.

A prospective longitudinal relation between elevated use of electronic devices and use of electronic nicotine delivery systems

BackgroundIn recent years, there has been a rapid increase in the use of both electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) and electronic devices among U.S. youth. Informed by the Diffusion of Innovations Theory (DIT), it was hypothesized that elevated use of electronic devices (EUED) prospectively would predict ENDS use among youth. MethodsData were drawn from the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study, a longitudinal cohort study in a nationally representative sample. Participants who were 12–17 years old, and naïve to both conventional cigarettes and ENDS at baseline (N = 11,325) were sampled. A total of 8723 respondents had matched data from Wave 1 to Wave 2 and 6051 respondents had matched data for all the three waves. Multivariable sequential logistic regressions were conducted to examine determinants of ENDS use in later waves using R version 3.5.2. ResultsAmong youth who were naïve to both ENDS and conventional cigarettes at baseline, those with EUED were more likely to initiate ENDS use in later years than those without EUED even after controlling for exposure to ENDS advertisements and other well-established covariates of ENDS use. Daily (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] ranges from 2.76 to 3.56) and weekly (AOR ranges from 2.16 to 2.65) social networking service (SNS) users were more likely to initiate ENDS use than non-users of SNS in the adjusted models. ConclusionsThe findings support the hypothesis that EUED prospectively predicts ENDS use among youth. The use of DIT framework helps understand the link between EUED and ENDS use.

Who Clicks on Online Donation? Understanding the Characteristics of SNS Users during Participation in Online Campaigns

The purpose of this study is to explore the characteristics of SNS (Social Network Service) users as potential donors for the sustainability of online donation campaigns. For this purpose, we examined the relationship between SNS users’ characteristics, social interaction and donation intention. Based on self-construal level theory, we assume that SNS users’ characteristics (independent-self and interdependent-self) affect their social interaction and in turn their online donation behaviors. Specifically, we suggest that people with an interdependent disposition tend to have more social interaction, which in turn has a positive effect on participation in donation through the mediation of empathy for the beneficiaries of the donation described in the advertisement. In order to verify the hypotheses, we use structural equation modeling to analyze data collected from 116 participants through online surveys. The findings of this study are as follows. First, individuals with an interdependent disposition have more online social interaction, whereas an independent disposition does not have a significant effect on social interaction online. Second, SNS users’ social interaction has a positive effect on empathy for the beneficiaries of donation. Third, empathy for beneficiaries has a positive effect on participation in online donations. These findings confirm the psychological mechanism between online social interaction and donation behavior and contribute useful guidance for non-profit organizations that design and implement online donation campaigns.

Negative Impact of Social Network Services Based on Stressor-Stress-Outcome: The Role of Experience of Privacy Violations

Social network service (SNS) information has benefited many individuals. However, as such information has increased exponentially, the number of SNS users has increased dramatically and negative effects of SNSs on users have emerged. Many SNS users experience negative psychological conditions such as fatigue, burnout, and stress. Thus, in this study, we investigated the SNS and user characteristics that affect SNS fatigue, living disorder, and reduced SNS use intention. We developed a research model to examine the impact of two SNS characteristics (irrelevant information overload and open reachability) and two user characteristics (engagement and maintaining self-reputation) on SNS fatigue. We also examined the role of the experience of privacy violations in the relationship between living disorder and reduced SNS use intention. We collected data from 579 SNS users and created a partial least squares structural equation model to test the hypotheses. The results of the analysis showed that three factors, other than open reachability, positively affected SNS fatigue. Furthermore, we found that SNS fatigue significantly affected living disorder and reduced SNS use intention, and that experience of privacy violations significantly affected the relationship between living disorder and reduced SNS use intention. These results expand our understanding of SNS fatigue and users’ negative behaviors.

Social network fatigue affecting continuance intention of social networking services

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore how social network fatigue affects continuance intention of social networking services (SNSs) from a more comprehensive perspective.Design/methodology/approachA research model was proposed by integrating uses and gratification theory (UGT), social network fatigue and continuance intention. The relationships between the three dimensions of UGT and continuance intention were examined, as well as the direct and moderating effects of social network fatigue. To collect data, an online survey was adopted, and 227 valid responses were analyzed by structural equation modeling.FindingsThe empirical findings demonstrate that utilitarian gratification (information seeking), social gratification (social interaction) and hedonic gratification (perceived enjoyment) are positively associated with SNS users’ continuance intention. Meanwhile, social network fatigue can directly and negatively affect continuance intention. Furthermore, the relationships between the two dimensions of UGT (information seeking, perceived enjoyment) and continuance intention are also negatively moderated by social network fatigue.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the understanding about the relationship between continuance intention and social network fatigue. The authors indicate that social network fatigue will not only directly weaken SNS users’ continuance intention, but also negatively influence the formation process of the continuance intention. Some other theoretical and practical implications are also provided.

Feeling displeasure from online social media postings: A study using cognitive dissonance theory

Social Network Service (SNS) users are more incidentally exposed to heterogeneous expressions than those engage in off-line discussion networks. The literature has mainly focused on how participation in social media affects users' subjective well-being, while overlooking how the heterogeneous expression on social media affects the users' subjective well-being and consequent behaviors on SNS. Underlining the undesirable consequences of the users’ exposure to opposing views, this study developed a conceptual cognitive framework on the theory of cognitive dissonance, the extreme discomfort of simultaneously holding two conflict thoughts, and showed the existence of mental discomfort of the user in the face of heterogeneous opinions. We also discussed the kind of strategic behaviors the users may take to resolve the uncomfortable psychological state. To test, we first utilized projective technique to measure the uncomfortable psychological states of the respondents, and applied a covariance based structural equation modeling (CB-SEM) methodology with 425 questionnaire responses collected from Prolific Academic (Prolific.ac). We found that the more the users use social media, the more often they are exposed to opposite opinions and the more uncomfortable they feel. In order to resolve these uncomfortable feelings, it appears that these users tend to take selective exposure more than affective behavior. Robustness tests were conducted to check the controlling effects of personality traits and demographic variables on the main variables.