The Impact of Social Network Site Use on Young Adult Development: Extending the Research Beyond Time Use and Considering the Role of Self-Disclosure Motivations

Young adults spend a good deal of time using social network sites (SNSs), and the consequences of this activity have come under considerable scrutiny in research. There is some evidence that SNSs offer a context for young adults to engage in self-disclosure, and that such behavior may contribute to their development. In the current study, self-disclosure motivations were explored as a moderator of the relationship between SNS time use and indicators of adjustment. It was hypothesized that the relationships between SNS time use and three indicators of young adult adjustment (belonging, self-concept clarity, and flourishing) would be moderated by self-disclosure motivations. Data were collected using a cross-sectional survey of 524 young adults aged 17–25 years (Mean age = 19.75; SD = 2.16) who used at least one social network site daily (Mean hours of daily use = 3.25; SD = 1.67). The relationships between SNS time use and both belonging and flourishing were moderated by self-disclosure motivations. Specifically, when participants were low or moderately motivated to self-disclose (for relationship maintenance or self-presentation purposes) SNS time use was negatively related to belonging and flourishing. Whereas when participants were highly motivated to self-disclose there was no significant relationship between SNS time use and belonging and SNS time use and flourishing. Additionally, there was no significant moderation of the relationship between SNS time use and self-concept clarity. Based on these findings, we recommend that in order for young adults to reap potential benefits of spending time online they should endeavor to use SNSs for purposes that promote positive self and relational development.

Sociodemographic factors and social media use in 9-year-old children: the Generation R Study

Background We aimed to investigate the associations between sociodemographic factors and instant messaging and social network site exposure among 9-year-old children. Methods Data of 4568 children from the Generation R study, a population-based cohort study performed in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, were analyzed. Instant messaging exposure was defined as using online chat applications such as MSN, chat boxes, WhatsApp, and Ping. Social network site exposure was defined as using Hyves or Facebook. A series of multiple logistic regression analyses were performed, adjusting for covariates. Results Children of low educated mothers had a higher odds ratio (OR) for instant messaging (OR: 1.44, 95% CI: 1.12, 1.86) and social network site exposure (OR: 1.73, 95% CI: 1.13, 2.66) than their counterparts. Being a child from a single-parent family was associated with instant messaging (OR: 1.48, 95% CI: 1.16, 1.88) and social network site exposure (OR: 1.34, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.78) more often than their counterparts. Children of low educated fathers (OR: 1.48, 95% CI: 1.12, 1.95) or from families with financial difficulties (OR: 1.28, 95% CI: 1.04, 1.59) were associated with a higher OR of social network site exposure than their counterparts. Conclusion The findings suggest that several indicators of lower social position are associated with higher social network site and instant messaging exposure among 9-year-old children. More research is needed in younger children to understand the determinants and impact of social media use.

Monitoring photogenic ecological phenomena: Social network site images reveal spatiotemporal phases of Japanese cherry blooms

Some ecological phenomena are visually engaging and widely celebrated. Consequently, these have the potential to generate large footprints in the online and social media image records which may be valuable for ecological research. Cherry tree blooms are one such event, especially in Japan where they are a cultural symbol (Sakura, 桜). For centuries, the Japanese have celebrated Hanami (flower viewing) and the historical data record of the festival allows for phenological studies over this period, one application of which is climate reconstruction. Here we analyse Flickr social network site data in an analogous way to reveal the cherry blossoms’ seasonal sweep from southern to northern Japan over a twelve-week period.Our method analyses data filtered using geographical constraints, multi-stage text-tag classification, and machine vision, to assess image content for relevance to our research question and use it to estimate historic cherry bloom times. We validated our estimated bloom times against official data, demonstrating the accuracy of the approach. We also investigated an out of season Autumn blooming that has gained worldwide media attention. Despite the complexity of human photographic and social media activity and the relatively small scale of this event, our method can reveal that this bloom has in fact been occurring over a decade.The approach we propose in our case study enables quick and effective monitoring of the photogenic spatiotemporal aspects of our rapidly changing world. It has the potential to be applied broadly to many ecological phenomena of widespread interest.

Extending the Hyperpersonal Model to Observing Others: The Hyperperception Model

Much of our Social Network Site (SNS) and associated mobile application use involves observing and interpreting other people’s online presentations and interactions. This paper proposes an extension of the hyperpersonal model (Walther, 1996), called the hyperperception model, which can be used to explain and predict the potential psychological and relational effects that result from observing other people interact on SNSs and mobile apps. In this new model the observer of other people’s online interactions is the focus rather than the original hyperpersonal’s focus on the dyad. Hyperperception effects occur when an observer perceives higher intensity in others’ SNS interactions than those observed perceive. Following the hyperpersonal model, this extension identifies channel, sender, receiver, and feedback loop components that encourage hyperperceptions of others’ relationship by observers on SNSs. Applications to a variety of interpersonal phenomena are discussed.

Adolescents Like Instagram! From Secret Dangers to an Educational Model by its Use Motives and Features: An Analysis of Their Mind Maps

This study investigates the adolescents’ perceptions toward Instagram as a social network site via their mind maps and tries to understand this social phenomenon that affect them by its use motives and features. It also offers a general profile of social network site use among adolescents. Data were collected from 540 adolescents majoring in high schools of Turkey. The participants created their mind maps on Instagram in the visual arts course. Qualitative data were resolved using thematic analysis. Results highlighted the popularity of Instagram among adolescents. According to their mental images on Instagram, we found four categories: “communication and interaction,” “knowledge acquisition,” “entertainment and sharing,” and “negative effects of Instagram.” In addition to their positive perceptions toward Instagram, the majority of adolescents focused on the negative effects such as addiction, mood disorders, narcissistic acts, and ethics violations. Based on the findings, we also suggested a theoretical model for educational use of Instagram and directions for future research.