scholarly journals IMPACT OF OFFLINE AND ONLINE SOCIAL NETWORKS ON LONELINESS AND MENTAL HEALTH AMONG ITALIAN OLDER PEOPLE

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S529-S529
Author(s):  
Daniele Zaccaria ◽  
Georgia Casanova ◽  
Antonio Guaita
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Networks ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Older People ◽  
Online Social Networks ◽  
Social Network Sites ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Causal Impact

Abstract In the last decades the study of older people and social networks has been at the core of gerontology research. The literature underlines the positive health effects of traditional and online social connections and also the social networks’s positive impact on cognitive performance, mental health and quality of life. Aging in a Networked Society is a randomized controlled study aimed at investigating causal impact of traditional face-to-face social networks and online social networks (e.g. Social Network Sites) on older people’ health, cognitive functions and well-being. A social experiment, based on a pre-existing longitudinal study (InveCe - Brain Aging in Abbiategrasso) has involved 180 older people born from 1935 to 1939 living in Abbiategrasso, a municipality near Milan. We analyse effects on health and well-being of smartphones and Facebook use (compared to engagement in a more traditional face-to-face activity), exploiting the research potential of past waves of InveCe study, which collected information concerning physical, cognitive and mental health using international validate scale, blood samples, genetic markers and information on social networks and socio-demographic characteristics of all participants. Results of statistical analysis show that poor social relations and high level of perceived loneliness (measured by Lubben Scale and UCLA Loneliness scale) affect negatively physical and mental outcomes. We also found that gender and marital status mediate the relationship between loneliness and mental wellbeing, while education has not significant effect. Moreover, trial results underline the causal impact of ICT use (smartphones, internet, social network sites) on self-perceived loneliness and cognitive and physical health.

Self-Disclosure Patterns among Chinese Users in SNS and Face-to-Face Communication

2015 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 55-69 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yashu Chen
Keyword(s):  
Social Networks ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Qualitative Analysis ◽  
Online Social Networks ◽  
Exploratory Study ◽  
Social Network Sites ◽  
Self Disclosure ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Study Participants ◽  
Disclosure Patterns

This exploratory study focused on Chinese social network sites (SNS) users to determine whether their online self-disclosure differed from offline and whether culture had an impact on the patterns of their self-disclosure. Sixteen active users of Chinese online social networks were interviewed about their self-disclosing experiences. Results of a qualitative analysis suggest that culture was likely to impact the behavior of study participants by modifying the patterns of self-disclosure. Participants tended to disclose themselves indirectly on SNS, strived to make positive impressions, and revealed few intimate issues. In face-to-face communication, the relationships between disclosers and target persons as well as the target persons' status and background influenced the contents of self-disclosure.

Comparing the social networks of service users with long term mental health needs living in community with those in a general adult in-patient unit

2021 ◽  
pp. 002076402110175
Author(s):  
Roberto Rusca ◽  
Ike-Foster Onwuchekwa ◽  
Catherine Kinane ◽  
Douglas MacInnes
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Networks ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Patient Group ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Practical Support ◽  
The Social

Background: Relationships are vital to recovery however, there is uncertainty whether users have different types of social networks in different mental health settings and how these networks may impact on users’ wellbeing. Aims: To compare the social networks of people with long-term mental illness in the community with those of people in a general adult in-patient unit. Method: A sample of general adult in-patients with enduring mental health problems, aged between 18 and 65, was compared with a similar sample attending a general adult psychiatric clinic. A cross-sectional survey collected demographic data and information about participants’ social networks. Participants also completed the Short Warwick Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale to examine well-being and the Significant Others Scale to explore their social network support. Results: The study recruited 53 participants (25 living in the community and 28 current in-patients) with 339 named as important members of their social networks. Both groups recorded low numbers in their social networks though the community sample had a significantly greater number of social contacts (7.4 vs. 5.4), more monthly contacts with members of their network and significantly higher levels of social media use. The in-patient group reported greater levels of emotional and practical support from their network. Conclusions: People with serious and enduring mental health problems living in the community had a significantly greater number of people in their social network than those who were in-patients while the in-patient group reported greater levels of emotional and practical support from their network. Recommendations for future work have been made.

Impact of community mental health services on users' social networks

1998 ◽  
Vol 173 (5) ◽  
pp. 404-408 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas Becker ◽  
Morven Leese ◽  
Paul McCrone ◽  
Paul Clarkson ◽  
George Szmukler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Networks ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Community Mental Health ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Service Sector ◽  
Community Mental Health Services ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Standard Service

BackgroundSocial networks are important for people with severe mental illness, and services need to assess whether they succeed in improving social contacts.MethodIn a prospective controlled study, social network data were obtained in an epidemiologically representative sample of people with psychotic disorders both before (Time I) and two years after (Time 2) the introduction of two sectorised community mental health services in south London (one intensive service with two specialist teams, one standard service with a generic team).ResultsThere were significant baseline differences between sectors with social networks being smaller in the sector later served by the intensive service. Social network size increased within the intensive service sector, but not in the standard service sector. There was a significant sector effect for the network component of relatives (intensive > standard) and in the other (‘non friends’) component (standard > intensive) after adjusting for baseline differences.ConclusionsThe findings suggest that the intensive sector community mental health service enhanced peoples social networks with their relatives, relative to the standard service. The reverse is the case for other contacts.

The value of online friends: Networked resources via social network sites

First Monday ◽  
2011 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael A. Stefanone ◽  
Kyounghee Kwon ◽  
Derek Lackaff
Keyword(s):  
Social Networks ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Online Social Networks ◽  
Social Network Sites ◽  
Tie Strength ◽  
Weak Ties ◽  
Composite Measure ◽  
Strong Ties ◽  
Instrumental Value ◽  
Contact Frequency

This study investigated the instrumental value of resources embedded in online social networks. 49 primary participants solicited a total of 588 secondary participants who were asked to complete a modest task. Approximately 16 per cent of all secondary participants responded (N = 98) to the request. 8.5 per cent of weak ties responded and strong ties were about three times more likely to respond. Perceived reciprocity, contact frequency and a composite measure of tie strength were all positively related to enacted support.

scholarly journals Is the quality or the frequency of communication? The communication on social networks sites moderates the association between attachment and relational satisfaction

Psihologija ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 54 (1) ◽  
pp. 49-73
Author(s):  
Octav-Sorin Candel ◽  
Roxana Carciuc ◽  
Daniela Cracan ◽  
Manuela Mînzat ◽  
Andreea Lungu
Keyword(s):  
Social Networks ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Online Social Networks ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Social Network Sites ◽  
Online Communication ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Relational Satisfaction ◽  
Attachment Orientation

Online social networks are very important in every-day life as they offer new possibilities for communication. Couples may benefit from new opportunities and thus achieve better levels of relationship satisfaction. Some psychological characteristics may interfere with online communication in predicting satisfaction. This study was designed to examine associations between attachment insecurity, communication on Social Network Sites (SNS), and relational satisfaction. SNS communication was postulated to be a moderator in the relationship between attachment and relational satisfaction among Romanian young couples. The participants were 73 couples (146 individuals). Structural equation modeling using the actor-partner interdependence moderated model demonstrated that attachment insecurities show strong associations with relational satisfaction (both actor and partner effects) and that both the quality and the frequency of the communication on social network sites shape in different ways these associations. The results emphasize the role of SNS communication and how it can determine different patterns of relational satisfaction based on the attachment orientation of partners.

scholarly journals Connected in the street: the relation between online social networks, self-esteem and satisfaction with life among individuals experiencing homelessness

2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-28 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fran Calvo ◽  
Xavier Carbonell ◽  
Oriol Turró ◽  
Cristina Giralt
Keyword(s):  
Social Network ◽  
Online Social Networks ◽  
Social Networking Sites ◽  
Satisfaction With Life ◽  
Social Network Sites ◽  
Multiple Linear Regression Model ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Key Factor ◽  
Primary Groups

The universalisation of Social Networking Sites has prompted a debate about whether contact with relatives and friends online has a positive effect on psychological well-being, as it has on direct relationships with primary groups. The aim of this study is to analyze the use of social network sites in a sample of 164 individuals experiencing homelessness (IEH), and to establish the relationship between this usage and their levels of self-esteem and satisfaction with life, using a multiple linear regression model for each dependent variable. The main results show a high prevalence of Internet and social network sites usage amongst IEH, even slightly higher than in the population overall.The variables predicting a higher degree of well-being are related to the use of social network sites, especially keeping in touch with friends. The chronicity associated with length of time on the street is also a key factor. A debate exists regarding the benefits of social network sites on health, and the importance which education may have in improving access to specialized services. 

scholarly journals The switching mechanisms of social network densification

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Teruyoshi Kobayashi ◽  
Mathieu Génois
Keyword(s):  
Social Networks ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Social Context ◽  
Social Interactions ◽  
Regime Switching ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
The Social ◽  
Switching Property ◽  
Distinctive Type ◽  
Insight Into

AbstractDensification and sparsification of social networks are attributed to two fundamental mechanisms: a change in the population in the system, and/or a change in the chances that people in the system are connected. In theory, each of these mechanisms generates a distinctive type of densification scaling, but in reality both types are generally mixed. Here, we develop a Bayesian statistical method to identify the extent to which each of these mechanisms is at play at a given point in time, taking the mixed densification scaling as input. We apply the method to networks of face-to-face interactions of individuals and reveal that the main mechanism that causes densification and sparsification occasionally switches, the frequency of which depending on the social context. The proposed method uncovers an inherent regime-switching property of network dynamics, which will provide a new insight into the mechanics behind evolving social interactions.

scholarly journals Digital detox: An effective solution in the smartphone era? A systematic literature review

2021 ◽  
pp. 205015792110286
Author(s):  
Theda Radtke ◽  
Theresa Apel ◽  
Konstantin Schenkel ◽  
Jan Keller ◽  
Eike von Lindern
Keyword(s):  
Social Network ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Social Relationships ◽  
Instant Messaging ◽  
Social Network Sites ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Self Control ◽  
Smartphone Use ◽  
Health And Well Being ◽  
Digital Detox

Smartphone use, e.g., on social network sites or instant messaging, can impair well-being and is related to clinical phenomena, like depression. Digital detox interventions have been suggested as a solution to reduce negative impacts from smartphone use on outcomes like well-being or social relationships. Digital detox is defined as timeouts from using electronic devices (e.g., smartphones), either completely or for specific subsets of smartphone use. However, until now, it has been unclear whether digital detox interventions are effective at promoting a healthy way of life in the digital era. This systematic literature review aimed to answer the question of whether digital detox interventions are effective at improving outcomes like health and well-being, social relationships, self-control or performance. Systematic searches of seven databases were carried out according to PRISMA guidelines, and intervention studies were extracted that examined timeouts from smartphone use and/or smartphone-related use of social network sites and instant messaging. The review yielded k = 21 extracted studies (total N = 3,625 participants). The studies included interventions in the field, from which 12 were identified as randomized controlled trials. The results showed that the effects from digital detox interventions varied across studies on health and well-being, social relationships, self-control, or performance. For example, some studies found positive intervention effects, whereas others found no effect or even negative consequences for well-being. Reasons for these mixed findings are discussed. Research is needed to examine mechanisms of change to derive implications for the development of successful digital detox interventions.

scholarly journals How migrants manifest their transnational identity through online social networks: comparative findings from a case of Koreans in Germany

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sunyoung Park ◽  
Lasse Gerrits
Keyword(s):  
Social Networks ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Online Social Networks ◽  
Online Social Network ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Comparative Case Study ◽  
Transnational Identity ◽  
Transnational Identities ◽  
Web 3.0 ◽  
Situational Contexts

AbstractAlthough migration has long been an imperative topic in social sciences, there are still needs of study on migrants’ unique and dynamic transnational identity, which heavily influences the social integration in the host society. In Online Social Network (OSN), where the contemporary migrants actively communicate and share their stories the most, different challenges against migrants’ belonging and identity and how they cope or reconcile may evidently exist. This paper aims to scrutinise how migrants are manifesting their belonging and identity via different technological types of online social networks, to understand the relations between online social networks and migrants’ multi-faceted transnational identity. The research introduces a comparative case study on an online social movement led by Koreans in Germany via their online communities, triggered by a German TV advertisement considered as stereotyping East Asians given by white supremacy’s point of view. Starting with virtual ethnography on three OSNs representing each of internet generations (Web 1.0 ~ Web 3.0), two-step Qualitative Data Analysis is carried out to examine how Korean migrants manifest their belonging and identity via their views on “who we are” and “who are others”. The analysis reveals how Korean migrants’ transnational identities differ by their expectation on the audience and the members in each online social network, which indicates that the distinctive features of the online platform may encourage or discourage them in shaping transnational identity as a group identity. The paper concludes with the two main emphases: first, current OSNs comprising different generational technologies play a significant role in understanding the migrants’ dynamic social values, and particularly, transnational identities. Second, the dynamics of migrants’ transnational identity engages diverse social and situational contexts. (keywords: transnational identity, migrants’ online social networks, stereotyping migrants, technological evolution of online social network).

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