Keywords

SNS usage, subjective well-being, reciprocal relationship, social network

Abstract

Prior studies have found an inconclusive relationship between social networking site (SNS) usage and users’ subjective well-being. Passive SNS usage may be detrimental to subjective well-being, because it cannot provide social support and may evoke envy and jealousy. Conversely, it is also possible that lower subjective well-being may predict higher passive SNS usage, which can be used as a means to relieve stress. To examine this reciprocal process, a two-wave study among a sample of Chinese college students was conducted (N ¼ 350 at Time 1, 265 at Time 2). Data were analyzed with structural modeling. Cross-lagged analysis indicated that passive SNS usage at Time 1 predicted a decrease in subjective well-being at Time 2. Lower subjective well-being at Time 1 also predicted an increase in passive SNS usage at Time 2. These findings deepen our understanding of the complicated association between SNS usage and well-being and has implications for how to help individuals use SNS healthily.

Original Publication Citation

Wang, J. L., Gaskin, J., Rost, D. H., & Gentile, D. A. (2018). The reciprocal relationship between passive social networking site (SNS) usage and users’ subjective well-being. Social Science Computer Review, 36(5), 511-522.

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2018

Publisher

Social Science Computer Review

Language

English

College

Marriott School of Business

Department

Information Systems Management

University Standing at Time of Publication

Full Professor

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