scholarly journals Perceived Strain Due to COVID-19-Related Restrictions Mediates the Effect of Social Needs and Fear of Missing Out on the Risk of a Problematic Use of Social Networks

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elisa Wegmann ◽  
Annika Brandtner ◽  
Matthias Brand
Keyword(s):  
Social Networks ◽  
Social Exchange ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Social Needs ◽  
Addictive Behaviors ◽  
Need To Belong ◽  
Related Strain ◽  
Fear Of Missing Out ◽  
Problematic Use ◽  
Perceived Strain

The occurrence of the COVID-19-virus led to drastic short-term measures to reduce its spread and influence. Regulations such as “physical distancing,” mentioned as “social distancing,” and the closure of public facilities during the lockdown could be perceived as burdensome especially by individuals who feel a strong need for social exchange and belonging. These components such as need to belong and the fear of missing out also play a major role in the development and maintenance of a problematic use of social networks. Researchers have argued recently that an increase of addictive (online) behaviors may be a likely consequence of subjectively experienced restrictions in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The current study investigates the interplay of perceived strain due to COVID-19-related restrictions and the fear of missing out (FoMO) as well as of symptoms of problematic social-networks use. We hypothesized that perceived strain due to COVID-19-related restrictions mediates the effect of specific predisposing variables related to social needs on the symptom severity of a problematic use. To assess the perceived strain due to COVID-19-related restrictions, we developed a specific questionnaire asking for perceived COVID-19-related strain in several domains of everyday-life. An exploratory factor analysis identified five factors: perceived strain related to restrictions of (1) social contacts, (2) travel, (3) childcare, (4) work, and (5) own health. In a sample of 719 German participants and data collection during the first COVID-19 lockdown (March 30th until April 3rd 2020), a structural equation model was calculated showing that higher levels of need to belong and FoMO increase perceived COVID-19-related strain, which is related to symptoms of a problematic social-networks use. The effect of need to belong on problematic social-networks use is mediated by experienced COVID-19-related strain and FoMO-online. Even if the use of social networks is not pathological per se, it may be associated with suffering for a vulnerable part of users. We conclude that specific needs and fear-associated predisposing variables contribute to experiencing physical distance and other pandemic-related restrictions as more stressful, which may increase problematic social-networks use and potentially other addictive behaviors as well in the context of the COVID-19-related lockdown.

scholarly journals Cognitive Correlates in Gaming Disorder and Social Networks Use Disorder: a Comparison

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 356-364 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elisa Wegmann ◽  
Matthias Brand
Keyword(s):  
Social Networks ◽  
Imaging Techniques ◽  
Theoretical Models ◽  
Positive Trend ◽  
Addictive Behaviors ◽  
Gaming Disorder ◽  
Cognitive Correlates ◽  
Problematic Use ◽  
Cognitive Components ◽  
Affective Processes

Abstract Purpose of Review This overview aims at summarizing studies, which investigated cognitive correlates of gaming disorder and of a problematic use of social networks by using behavioral experimental paradigms and brain imaging techniques. Recent Findings Based on theoretical models, inhibition/inhibitory control, attentional bias, executive functions, decision-making, and working memory capabilities have been identified as cognitive components, which are assumed to play a crucial role in the development and maintenance of an addictive behavior. A systematic search shows that various studies have already examined the involvement of different cognitive components in both types of potential addictive behaviors. However, the number of studies addressing cognitive correlates of social networks use disorder is very much lower compared with gaming disorder, even if there is a positive trend in terms of new publications in recent years. Summary Cognitive correlates have been frequently investigated in gaming disorder, as in many other disorders due to substance use or addictive behaviors. Studies on cognitive aspects involved in a problematic social networks use are still rare, but they are needed in order to further show if this phenomenon may also deserve a classification as addictive disorder. Interactions between different cognitive and affective processes are still understudied in both gaming disorder and problematic social networks use.

scholarly journals Problematic Social-Networks-Use in German Children and Adolescents—The Interaction of Need to Belong, Online Self-Regulative Competences, and Age

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (7) ◽  
pp. 2518 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sina Ostendorf ◽  
Elisa Wegmann ◽  
Matthias Brand
Keyword(s):  
Social Networks ◽  
Regression Analysis ◽  
Protective Factors ◽  
Children And Adolescents ◽  
Cognitive Biases ◽  
Intervention Programs ◽  
Addictive Behaviors ◽  
Need To Belong ◽  
Older Individuals ◽  
German Children

Adolescents nowadays spend much time communicating via social networks. Recent investigations also report a noticeable proportion showing a problematic usage behavior, underlining the importance of better understanding its development and maintenance in young individuals. Theoretical views on Internet-use disorders assume that specific predispositions and needs can contribute to addictive behaviors in interaction with further aspects including Internet-related cognitive biases. This study focuses on vulnerable individuals due to their age and investigates interactions between possible risk (need to belong, NTB) and protective factors (online self-regulative competences, OSRC). Participants (N = 466) between 10 and 17 years answered questionnaires assessing social-networks-use disorder symptoms, NTB, and OSRC. Moderated regression analysis revealed significant effects of age, NTB, and OSRC. Three-way interaction was also significant (potentially mainly caused by females), with highest social-networks-use disorder symptoms found for individuals with high NTB and low OSRC, especially when older. With high OSRC, symptoms were significantly lower for both younger and older individuals having high NTB. However, even if NTB was low, older individuals showed high social-networks-use disorder symptoms if their OSRC were low. The results highlight the importance of improving specific competences to prevent problematic usage behaviors, which should be considered in youth-tailored prevention and intervention programs.

Social Networks and Business Performance of Igbo Migrant Traders in Ibadan, South-West Nigeria

2014 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Deborah O. Obor ◽  
Emeka E. Okafor
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Social Networks ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Social Exchange ◽  
Business Performance ◽  
Exploratory Research ◽  
Business Growth ◽  
South West ◽  
Key Informant ◽  
Depth Interviews

This study focused on social networks and business performance among Igbo businessmen in Ibadan, South-west Nigeria through the exploratory research design. Social exchange, social network and social capital theories were employed as theoretical framework. Twenty-six in-depth interviews, key informant interviews and case studies were conducted with purposively selected respondents in four business locations in Ibadan. The results showed that among the factors that facilitated migration of the Igbo to Ibadan were their interest to learn a trade, their inability to attain higher education, and having a relative in Ibadan. The types of social networks available showed that social network was not location bound, as all the respondents belonged to town progressive unions and mutual benefits/cooperative associations. Social networks played vital roles in business performance, including social support, access to loan, business growth and expansion. The main challenges to maintaining adequate social network in business were distrust, envy, unbridled competition, dishonesty and inability to keep terms of agreement. The study concludes that social networks have positively influenced the business performance of migrant Igbo in Ibadan. There is need for the Igbo to strengthen their social networks through honesty, forthrightness, and transparency in all their dealings.

scholarly journals Blockchain Technology for Winning Consumer Loyalty: Social Norm Analysis Using Structural Equation Modeling

Mathematics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 532
Author(s):  
María de los Ángeles Pérez-Sánchez ◽  
Zhuowei Tian ◽  
Almudena Barrientos-Báez ◽  
José Gómez-Galán ◽  
Hanliang Li
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation Modeling ◽  
Technology Acceptance ◽  
Social Exchange ◽  
Local Governments ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Social Norm ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Consumer Loyalty ◽  
Blockchain Technology

Remarkable changes have taken in social operation mode and consumers’ behavior mode because of the foot ban during the pandemic spread of COVID-19. Digital technologies such as Blockchain have shown potential in gaining competitive advantages for enterprises in such situations. This study aims to provide an insight into how to gain consumer loyalty through the use of modern and efficient Blockchain technology. In contrast to the current literature, this study combined the technology acceptance model of planned behavior theory, social exchange theory to explain the loyalty of an online travel agency (OTA) consumer. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from citizens in Hangzhou, a city full of technological innovation atmosphere. Using structural equation modeling with SmartPLS©, responses from 1403 citizens were analyzed. Social norm was discovered to have a positive and significant association with the consumers’ attitude toward technology and thus enhancing the perceived usability and hedonism of OTA application, which can increase consumer loyalty. The findings suggested OTAs may gain consumers’ loyalty through adopting Blockchain technology, and local governments have played a key role in creating such an environment. New technologies have become essential professional and social tools for society. The technological environment and Blockchain within the tourism sector are fundamental elements of China’s economic engine.

scholarly journals The Effect of Individual’s Technological Belief and Usage on Their Absorptive Capacity towards Their Learning Behaviour in Learning Environment

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 718
Author(s):  
Thomas Dolmark ◽  
Osama Sohaib ◽  
Ghassan Beydoun ◽  
Kai Wu
Keyword(s):  
Social Networks ◽  
Absorptive Capacity ◽  
Structural Equation Modelling ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Social Influences ◽  
Technology Readiness ◽  
Learning Behaviour ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
Equation Modelling ◽  
The Individual

Absorptive capacity is a common barrier to knowledge transfer at the individual level. However, technology absorptive capacity can enhance an individual’s learning behaviour. This study investigates that technology readiness, the tools for knowledge sources, social influences, and social networks influence an individual’s absorptive capacity on an adaptation of the individual learning behaviour. A quantitative approach is used to assess the presence of a causal relationship from the constructs mentioned above. Data were collected from university students in Australia to examine the hypotheses. With 199 responses, a partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) approach was used for the analysis. The results generated mixed findings. Individual’s technological belief in optimism and innovation and social influences had a significantly weaker effect on individual absorptive capacity, which in turn had a significantly weaker impact on their learning behaviour.

scholarly journals Investigating the Impact of Critical Factors on Continuous Usage Intention towards Enterprise Social Networks: An Integrated Model of IS Success and TTF

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (14) ◽  
pp. 7619
Author(s):  
Run-Ze Wu ◽  
Xiu-Fu Tian
Keyword(s):  
Social Networks ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Critical Factors ◽  
Information Systems Success ◽  
Is Success ◽  
Enterprise Social Networks ◽  
Task Technology Fit ◽  
Continuous Usage Intention ◽  
The Impact

Due to the outbreak of COVID-19, many people have to accept remote working. However, as COVID-19 has been effectively controlled in China, remote office services provided by enterprise social networks (ESNs) is no longer a necessary choice of users. There has not yet been any referential research for ESN enterprises concerning how to encourage users willing to use ESNs continuously. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to identify the critical factors of ESN continuous usage intention to make up the research gap of ESN continuous usage intention and to help enterprises address the issue of sustained growth. This research combines elements of the task technology fit (TTF) model and D&M information systems success (ISS) model, explaining the continuous usage intention of ESN users. The empirical analysis results are based on the sample data of 668 Chinese respondents with experience in ESNs use and analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM). Results show that task technology fit, performance expectancy and the satisfaction degree have a significant influence on continuous usage intention of ESNs. The research findings can provide the theoretical basis for sustained development and follow-up research of the ESN industry.

scholarly journals The impact of transformational leadership and interactional justice on follower performance and organizational commitment in a business context

2021 ◽  
Vol 46 (4) ◽  
pp. 274-283
Author(s):  
Geir Thompson ◽  
Robert Buch ◽  
Per-Magnus Moe Thompson ◽  
Lars Glasø
Keyword(s):  
Transformational Leadership ◽  
Social Exchange ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Social Exchange Theory ◽  
Leadership Behavior ◽  
Interactional Justice ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Business Context ◽  
Direct Reports ◽  
The Impact

The relationships between transformational leaders and several follower outcomes have been well investigated, but the mechanism through which these leadership behaviors relate to such outcomes is relatively unexplored. By investigating the mediating role of interactional justice, using structural equation modeling analyses, and data collected from supervisors and direct reports at various organizational levels, the present study provides insight into the psychological processes underlying transformational leadership and its effectiveness on follower outcomes. In line with social exchange theory, the main takeaway from the present study is suggesting that leaders, who display transformational leadership behavior in a manner perceived by followers as respectful, fair, and consistent with moral and ethical standards, may expect greater follower organizational attachment as an appropriate response to interactional justice.

Consequences of corporate social responsibility on employees

2019 ◽  
Vol 49 (1) ◽  
pp. 231-249
Author(s):  
Evans Asante Boadi ◽  
Zheng He ◽  
Eric Kofi Boadi ◽  
Josephine Bosompem ◽  
Philip Avornyo
Keyword(s):  
Corporate Social Responsibility ◽  
Social Responsibility ◽  
Social Exchange ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Social Exchange Theory ◽  
Banking Sector ◽  
Work Motivation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Time Lagged ◽  
Corporate Social

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to draw on affect social exchange theory and related literature to develop and test a research model linking employees’ perception of corporate social responsibility (CSR) to their outcomes [performance and organisational pride (ORP)] with moderating variables: perceived work motivation patterns (autonomous and controlled motivation) to sustain firm’s operations through their employees. Design/methodology/approach The authors used Ghana as a case for this study due to recent turbulences in the banking sector of Ghana. A sample data of 244 subordinate/supervisor dyads from rural and community banks was collected with a time-lagged technique and analysed through a structural equation modelling for this study. Findings These employee’s perceptions of CSR positively related to their performance and ORP. Autonomous motivated employees had a stronger positive moderated impact on perceived CSR-Performance link whereas controlled motivated employees recorded a stronger impact on perceived CSR-ORP link. Practical implications Based on these results, managers and human resource (HR) professionals can aim at acquiring favourable employees’ perception of their firms’ CSR initiatives. In that, it can help firms to remain in business particularly in difficult times. Also, autonomous and controlled motivators may seem inversely related, however, they are not contradictory to each other. Both can coexist within a firm and it is crucial that HR professionals and managers endeavour to balance them discreetly to attain organisational goals. Originality/value Despite the growing interest in CSR across continents, CSR outcomes on employees among small and medium scale firms especially in Africa has fairly been toned-down by respective management of firms, governments and researchers.

Online Social Networks: Why We Disclose

2010 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 109-125 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hanna Krasnova ◽  
Sarah Spiekermann ◽  
Ksenia Koroleva ◽  
Thomas Hildebrand
Keyword(s):  
Social Networks ◽  
Online Social Networks ◽  
Information Disclosure ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Personal Information ◽  
Equation Model ◽  
Self Disclosure ◽  
Network Provider ◽  
Privacy Calculus ◽  
Privacy Risks

On online social networks such as Facebook, massive self-disclosure by users has attracted the attention of Industry players and policymakers worldwide. Despite the Impressive scope of this phenomenon, very little Is understood about what motivates users to disclose personal Information. Integrating focus group results Into a theoretical privacy calculus framework, we develop and empirically test a Structural Equation Model of self-disclosure with 259 subjects. We find that users are primarily motivated to disclose Information because of the convenience of maintaining and developing relationships and platform enjoyment. Countervailing these benefits, privacy risks represent a critical barrier to information disclosure. However, users’ perception of risk can be mitigated by their trust in the network provider and availability of control options. Based on these findings, we offer recommendations for network providers.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document