Use Of Social Networking Sites Research Articles

Identifying and comparing types of social comparisons on social networking sites among mothers with infants: Differences in maternal loneliness by types.

Loneliness among mothers of infants is a serious problem that leads to increased stress and depression. Social networking sites (SNS) are platforms commonly used by mothers to gain information and socialize; however, the sites can also lead to social comparison. This study aimed to identify and compare the types of parentalsocial comparisons on SNS among mothers with infants and examine their differences regarding maternal loneliness. A random sampling cross-sectional survey of 233 Japanese mothers with infants aged 6-11months old was conducted. The questionnaire considered the frequency ofparental social comparisonson SNS and the associated positive/negative emotions, loneliness, perceived social support, SNS use, and participant characteristics. Hierarchical cluster analysis and analysis of covariance were used to examine differences in loneliness by social comparison type. Identified types ofparental social comparisons on SNS included: "Negative-leaning comparisons (n = 40)," "Ambivalent comparisons (n = 53)," "Heavy comparisons (n = 39)," and "Positive-leaning comparisons (n = 67)." The "non-comparative group (n = 34)" made no comparisons. The loneliness scores of the "Negative-leaning comparisons" group were significantly higher than those of the "Ambivalent comparisons," "Positive-leaning comparisons," and "Non-comparative" groups (p = 0.019, p = 0.017, and p < 0.001, respectively). Additionally, the loneliness scores of the "Heavy comparisons" group were higher than those of the "Non-comparative" group (p = 0.005). Interventions aimed at enhancing digital literacy among mothers and providing tailored support based on their social comparison types are crucial for mitigating the negative effects ofparental social comparisons on SNS.

Social anxiety and problematic social network site use: The sequential mediating role of self-esteem and self-concept clarity

This study explored the relationship between social anxiety and problematic social network sites use and the mediating role of self-esteem and self-concept clarity. A total of 811 college students (female= 58.2%; mean age= 19.18 years, SD = 1.12 years) completed the Interaction Anxiety Scale, Self-Esteem Scale, Self-Concept Clarity Scale, and Problematic Social Network Sites Use Scale. Latent variable structural equation modelling analysis indicated, not only directly but also indirectly through self-esteem and self-concept clarity, that social anxiety was associated with problematic use of social network sites. Self-esteem and self-concept clarity mediated the relationship between social anxiety and problematic social network sites use, respectively. Moreover, self-esteem and self-concept clarity played a sequential mediating role between social anxiety and problematic social network sites use. These findings suggest a need to reduce social anxiety among college students through enhancing their self-esteem and self-concept clarity. Such interventions would decrease their problematic use of social network sites.

Social networking sites as affordable tools for high-potential personal learning networks: the case of teachers as learners in Vietnam

AbstractWhile a great deal has been published about the educational value of social networking sites (SNSs) for teachers, less has focused on teachers who are arguably more dependent on these virtual platforms for informal professional learning due to financial constraints and a lack of regular in-service professional development. Situating this study in Vietnam and focusing on teachers teaching English as a foreign language, we examined how these teachers have adapted SNSs, a tool typically used in leisure and social life, into online personal learning networks. The evidence was collected from 393 teachers’ responses to an online survey. The results from descriptive and non-parametric inferential tests revealed three main findings: (1) Teachers engage in a variety of professional learning activities using SNSs with high frequency, regardless of their self-perceived levels of technology competence or teaching experience; (2) Teachers make use of online groups on SNSs for professional topics and their preferences of topics are not likely to be determined by their experience, except for the topics of classroom management techniques and knowledge about learners; (3) The most decisive factors these teachers associated with effective professional learning on SNSs include time availability, reliability of information and materials, personal information privacy and desire to learn. Teachers’ perceptions about these factors are influenced by the frequency of their SNS use and professional work experience. The implications of these findings for teacher professional development in Vietnam, and other countries in similar economic circumstances, are also discussed.

Investigating users' discontinuous usage intention toward social networking sites: the roles of motivation and affectivity

PurposeThis study is based on the regulatory focus theory and conservation of resources theory to examine how information confusion leads to users’ discontinuous usage intention of social networking sites (SNSs), with the mediating mechanisms of users’ motivation and affectivity.Design/methodology/approachData were obtained from 270 users in different SNSs in Vietnam. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the sample data and test the hypotheses.FindingsResults show that information confusion has a positive influence on discontinuous usage intention, and prevention focus positively mediates this relationship. Furthermore, the negative affectivity positively mediates the link between information confusion and discontinuous usage intention and that between prevention focus and discontinuous usage intention. In addition, prevention focus and negative affectivity together play a serial mediating effect in the link between information confusion and discontinuous usage intention.Originality/valueThis study extends the regulatory focus theory and conservation of resources theory to validate a model that explains the transitional process of users’ motivation and affectivity in the link between information confusion and discontinuous usage intention of SNSs. The findings of this study provide implications for academic researchers and business managers of SNSs to understand and make better decisions to retain their users.

Computer-aided Instruction, Learning Styles and Academic Achievement: Interplay Towards Understanding of Philippine Literature for Grade 7 Students

In the current era of education, the utilization of computer-based materials is widespread and has become more common as years pass by. The researcher aims to determine the effectiveness of teaching literature using computer-based materials as a strategy in teaching Philippine literature to Grade 7 students. This study seeks to compare the level of learning in terms of knowledge and practical skills acquisition and craftsmanship between learners using computer-based instructional materials and those using print- based instructional materials in teaching Philippine Literature. A quasi-experimental design is highly appropriate and considered to be effective for this research because it uses the pre-testing and post-testing of the respondents about the investigation at hand. Findings showed that the students always use visual (spatial) learning styles as they prefer to learn using pictures, images, and spatial understanding. In addition, the results revealed that the pupils’ performance was improved with Computer-Aided Instruction (CAI). In line with this. the participants also showed preference to different methods such as the usage of DVD Video and social networking sites like Facebook for educational purposes. However, the research also uncovered setbacks to the ease of using computer-aided instructions. According to the participants, these difficulties include the availability of hardware and software, lack of funds, computer illiteracy, and attitudes of teachers.

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.

Influence of Social Networking Usage on Mental Health of Tribal Adolescents

Abstract From past two decades , Social Networking Sites beheld a sporadic enhancement in quantity, quality and utility. As the body of an individual is nourished by the intake of necessary mineral elements obtained through nutrition, likewise human mind is nurtured by the availability of nutrition for thoughts. Social networking sites have become an important part of modern life. They are generally defined as web-based platforms that allow individuals to create their own personal profile and build a network of connections with other users. From the dawn of internet and social networking sites, human resources of contemporary world have become more social virtually but less practically. The virtual life is isolating present generation from their other fellow beings there by affecting their health both physically as well as mentally and overall balance. Increased usage of social networking sites particularly among adolescents in the present scenario is a matter of concern for the parents, society and researchers as there are always two sides (positive and negative) of every innovation. The aim of the present research study was to explore the influence of social networking sites on mental health of the adolescents of three government secondary school of Koraput district, Odisha. For the present study, an ex-post facto research method was employed. The stratified random sampling technology was employed to select the sample where total of 150 adolescent boys and girls from class -X ( 50 from each school) were purposively selected. The data was collected by administering a standardized tool based on mental health scale upon the students and the collected data was analysed by using several statistical techniques like- Mean, SD and t-test. This, the findings showed that there was significant difference between the mental health conditions of social networking users and non-users. The findings also showed that there was also significant difference between social networking users' mental health in terms of gender and locality.

Turkish adolescents' anonymous use of social networking sites (SNSs): A phenomenological study

Turkish adolescents' anonymous use of social networking sites (SNSs): A phenomenological study

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

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

Researchers and social networking sites usage: the application of UTAUT theory

Purpose This study aims to investigate the use of social networking sites (SNS) by researchers and their behaviours when conducting research-related activities by applying the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) theory. Design/methodology/approach An online survey was distributed. This study’s design is derived from the UTAUT framework’s questionnaire items. The sample of this study comprised 216 respondents from 40 universities in the United Kingdom. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data. Findings Respondents revealed a positive relationship between the four constructs of the UTAUT framework (performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence and facilitating condition) associated with their intention to use SNS. Research limitations/implications Most of the respondents were from the University of Strathclyde, so the authors cannot generalize the findings to other universities. Practical implications The findings will offer an extensive understanding of the value of SNSs, which will aid researchers to increase their visibility, and research activities online. Originality/value The results will provide an in-depth knowledge of the importance of SNSs, helping scholars to become more visible and engage in online research. A number of factors impacted how researchers behaved on SNSs and what they intended to use for research-related activity. School administrators, experts and other sponsors could take action to promote the use of SNSs in educational settings based on the findings. The study’s findings offer insightful knowledge to those who create SNS websites. By using this information, they will be able to improve these sites for research and study and gain a better understanding of the demands of SNS users.

Psychopathological symptoms and social networking sites addiction in Poland and Germany: The role of fear of missing out and preference for online social interaction

Psychopathological symptoms, especially depression and anxiety, can contribute to the development of addictive tendencies offline and online. The present cross-national study aims to verify whether Fear of Missing Out (FoMO) and Preference for Online Social Interactions (POSI) could explain the relationship between psychopathological symptoms (i.e., depression and anxiety symptoms) and Social Networking Sites (SNS) addiction. We tested our hypothesis in two samples from Poland (N = 1163) and Germany (N = 781) using self-report measures of psychopathological symptoms, FoMO, POSI, and SNS addiction. In both countries, we found the same result pattern. Depression and anxiety symptoms were positively related to SNS addiction. Moreover, FoMO and POSI partially mediated the relationship between psychopathological symptoms and addictive SNS use. Notably, the relationship between psychopathological symptoms is significantly more robust via FoMO as it is an essential predictor of SNS addiction in both countries. Our findings show that ineffective emotional regulation, as well as maladaptive thoughts and beliefs about one's Internet use among persons with psychopathological symptoms, might increase the risk for SNS addiction.

Pengaruh SMM dan E-Wom Terhadap Visit Intention dengan Destination Image Sebagai Variabel Intervening pada Industri Pariwisata Religi: Studi Kasus Syeikh Zayed Grand Mosque Solo

Tourism has the capacity to significantly contribute to Indonesia's economic expansion by creating employment opportunities and enhancing the country's infrastructure. Nonetheless, in the current digital age, promoting visitor destinations presents the tourism industry with new obstacles. Tourism industry participants are required to implement effective promotional strategies for their respective tourist destinations to pique the interest of prospective visitors. This study used the destination picture as a mediating variable to investigate the effects of SMM and E-WOM on visit intention. In this study, 340 users of social networking sites made up the study sample. In this experiment, purposive sampling combined with a non-probability sampling approach was used. A questionnaire was used to gather information from original sources. Smart PLS was used to help in data analysis. The study's findings indicate that people's impressions of a place and their trip plans are directly influenced by SMM and E-WOM. Furthermore, a person's opinion of a location has a big impact on how likely they are to visit there. The mediation test results showed that the association between SMM, E-WOM, and visit intention is mediated by destination image.

Testing the role of extended thinking in predicting craving and problematic social network sites use

Background and aimsProblematic Social Network Sites Use (PSNSU) mirrors substance use disorders with regard to symptoms (e.g., diminished control). Recent theoretical advances in the addiction research field recognize a central role of affective and cognitive processes in the development of addictive behaviors. For example, the metacognitive model of addictive behaviors sustains that cognitive processes like extended thinking, disruption in metacognitive monitoring, and thought suppression are associated with addictive behaviors leading to increased craving. The current study aims to test the mediating role of extended thinking (i.e., worry, rumination, and desire thinking) in the relationship between psychological distress and PSNSU.MethodsA community sample of 548 individuals (F = 68.5%, Mage= 29.29 ± 12.04 years) completed an online survey. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was utilized to analyze the relationships among the variables under study.ResultsThe assessed structural model adequately fits the data, accounting for 89% of PSNSU variance. Psychological distress predicted PSNSU through the mediation of desire thinking and rumination and the serial mediation of (i) worry and craving (ii) desire thinking and craving The model is gender invariant.ConclusionsThe current findings provide preliminary evidence for the role of extended thinking in PSNSU. Worry, rumination and desire thinking may be central cognitive processes in eliciting craving and PSNSU for individuals who experience psychological distress.

Impact of Internet on Social life of Students: An Overview

In this paper we discuss about impact of internet on social life of students, an overview as we all know, Internet today is widely recognized not only as a means of communication but also as a powerful tool. Internet usage among students involves not only the use of leisure time, but also their community involvement and social networking. Students are now facing major social issues like isolation, mental depression, lack face to face communication, waste of time, excessive use of social networking sites and depression. Rather it was found that children who spend more time on the internet were more likely to spend more time with other media, more time on some kind of physical activities, and were more socially involved. The study recommends that as the internet is regarded as an in separable part of human life, students should conscious of using the internet. Internet represents the greatest collection of human knowledge and has enabled many communications in the world to manage communication and solve problems. Internet usage will become addicted and more likely to ha-case negative and less support in learning activities. So using the Internet for social media as much as, use for online gaming activity, while utilizing the Internet for watch you tube, rarely use the Internet to learn and seek information.

IJCM_114A: Perception Regarding Utility Of Social Networking Sites On Academic Activities Among Undergraduate Students And Teaching Faculties Of A Medical College In Mangalore.

Background: The integration of social networking sites (SNS) into academic activities has become increasingly prevalent, yet there is a need to understand its impact and perceptions among undergraduate students and teaching faculty. This study aimed to explore the pattern of SNS usage for academic purposes and assess perceptions regarding its benefits and drawbacks at Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore. Methodology: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among undergraduate students and teaching faculty, utilizing a self- administered semi-structured questionnaire. Convenience sampling was employed, with data collected over a 15-day period. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 11.5, with independent t-tests applied to compare perceptions between students and faculty. Results: Out of 308 participants, nearly half reported using SNS for academic purposes, with Facebook being the most preferred platform. While perceived benefits included improved communication and easier access to learning resources, concerns were raised regarding productivity loss and SNS addiction. Recommendations for promoting SNS usage in academia were also identified. Conclusion: The study highlights the significant role of SNS in academic communication and collaboration, while emphasizing the need for strategies to address associated challenges such as productivity impact and addiction. By leveraging the benefits of SNS while mitigating drawbacks, educational institutions can harness its potential to enhance teaching, learning, and research endeavors.

Female Teenagers and Young Adults: Self-Presentation Trends on Instagram

The widespread use of the Internet has played a significant role in the popularity of social media platforms. Among these, the global phenomenon of Instagram stands out, serving as one of the vital means of communication across the world. Particularly among teenagers and young adults, social media has become an integral part of daily life, facilitating interactions and self-expression. Teens and young adults, who often prioritize peer approval, physical appearance, and self-representation, are drawn to social networking sites (SNS) due to the opportunities they offer for connecting with peers and exploring their identity within a social context. As the use of social networking sites among youths has surged, researchers have taken an interest in how visual images can be employed to portray oneself on these platforms. Hence, this current study aims to delve into the self-presentation of female teens and young adults through their photos, specifically focusing on Instagram. A total of 40 participants fitting the criteria of being female, aged between 12 to 17 (teenagers) and aged 18 to 25 (young adults), residing in urban areas, and active users of Instagram, were selected. Analysing 200 images from these participants, the study employed Kress and van Leeuwen's (1996, 2006) semiotic analysis framework to decode the visual aspects. The study's outcomes revealed some comparisons of online trends in self-presentation on Instagram between the two age groups; teenagers and young adults. Age emerged as a key factor influencing the self-presentation patterns within these groups.

The Use of Social Network Sites to Enhance Relational Teaching in Higher Education

The Use of Social Network Sites to Enhance Relational Teaching in Higher Education

Addicted to socialising and still lonely: Acomparative, corpus-driven analysis ofproblematic social networking site use.

Problematic Social Networking Site Use (PSNSU) is not a formally recognised addiction, but it is increasingly discussed as such in academic research and online. Taking a quantitative, exploratory approach, this study aims to (1) determine whether PSNSU is presented like clinically defined addictions by the affected community and (2) address how well measurements of PSNSU fit with the thematic content found within the associated discourse. Four corpora were created for this study: a corpus concerning PSNSU and three control corpora concerning established addictions, including Alcohol Use Disorder, Tobacco Use Disorder and Gaming Disorder. Keywords were identified, collocates and concordances were explored, and shared themes were compared. Findings show broad thematic similarities between PSNSU and the three control addictions as well as prominent interdiscursive references, which indicate possible confirmation bias among speakers. Scales based upon the components model of addiction are suggested as the most appropriate measure of this emerging disorder.

Netnographic study of the conscious internet appearance of hungarian and regional public transport companies

There has been intense competition between companies in recent years to hire and retain employees. During the coronavirus epidemic, this competition intensified. In response to the changes in the labour market, this challenge on the part of employers requires new methods, and employer branding has increasingly come to the fore. With the reorganization of the communication channels, online appearance came to the fore, including the use of social networking sites for employers and employees. The subject of my study is the employer branding of companies interested in the public transport on the Internet, primarily on social media sites, including the popular Instagram site. The purpose of the study is to present the importance of employer branding in the online space, the topics that can be displayed on social media sites and the given reactions, and the effectiveness and impact of online appearance. In my research, I used the method of netnography to reveal the differences and similarities in the appearance of social enterprises, the subjects of my investigation were international and domestic transport companies. Based on the research results, it can be concluded that social enterprises are using social networking sites more and more widely and with increasing intensity in many topics, including employer branding, but effectiveness can be increased with a targeted appearance, since social topics and the display of content related to responsibility elicit measurable reactions. They also discovered that social media is a suitable interface for presenting company activities and creating an identity as a tool.

Who are the best voluntary disseminators on social networking sites? An exploration based on panel data from twitter

PurposeUsers' voluntary forwarding behavior opens a new avenue for companies to promote their brands and products on social networking sites (SNS). However, research on voluntary information disseminators is limited. This paper aims to bring an in-depth understanding of voluntary disseminators by answering the following questions: (1) What is the underlying mechanism by which some users are more enthusiastic to voluntarily forward content of interest? (2) How to identify them? We propose a theoretical model based on the Elaboration-Likelihood Model (ELM) and examine three types of factors that moderate the effect of preference matching on individual forwarding behavior, including personal characteristics, tweet characteristics and sender–receiver relationships.Design/methodology/approachVia Twitter API, we randomly crawled 1967 Twitter users' data to validate the conceptual framework. Each user’s original tweets and retweeted tweets, profile data such as the number of followers and followees and verification status were obtained. The final corpus contains 163,554 data points composed of 1,634 valid twitterers' retweeting behavior. Tweets produced by these core users' followees were also crawled. These data points constitute an unbalanced panel data and we employ different models — fixed-effects, random-effects and pooled logit models — to test the moderation effects. The robustness test shows consistency among these different models.FindingsPreference matching significantly affects users' forwarding behavior, implying that SNS users are more likely to share contents that align with their preferences. In addition, we find that popular users with lots of followers, heavy SNS users who author tweets or forward other-sourced tweets more frequently and users who tend to produce longer original contents are more enthusiastic to disseminate contents of interest. Furthermore, interaction strength has a positive moderating effect on the relationship between preference matching and individuals' forwarding decisions, suggesting that users are more likely to disseminate content of interest when it comes from strong ties. However, the moderating effect of perceived affinity is significantly negative, indicating that an online community of individuals with many common friends is not an ideal place to engage individuals in sharing information.Originality/valueThis work brings about a deep understanding of users' voluntary forwarding behavior of content of interest. To the best of our knowledge, the current study is the first to examine (1) the underlying mechanism by which some users are more likely to voluntarily forward content of interest; and (2) how to identify these potential voluntary disseminators. By extending the ELM, we examine the moderating effect of tweet characteristics, sender–receiver relationships as well as personal characteristics. Our research findings provide practical guidelines for enterprises and government institutions to choose voluntary endorsers when trying to engage individuals in information dissemination on SNS.