The Reciprocal Relationship Between Passive Social Networking Site (SNS) Usage and Users' Subjective Well-Being. (October 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wang, Jin-Liang; Gaskin, James; Rost, Detlef H.; Gentile, Douglas A.
• Is Part Of: Social science computer review. Volume 36:Number 5(2018)
• Page Start: 511
• Page End: 522
• Publication Date: 2018-10
• Subjects: SNS usage -- subjective well-being -- reciprocal relationship -- social network; Social sciences -- Data processing -- Periodicals; Computers -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Microcomputers -- Periodicals; Sciences sociales -- Informatique -- Périodiques; Micro-ordinateurs -- Périodiques; 300.285
• DOI: 10.1177/0894439317721981
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0894-4393

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 = 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.