The Theory of Planned Behavior Applied to Young People's Use of Social Networking Web Sites

Bibliographic Data

ID19602907
AuthorsEmma L Pelling (Queensland University of Technology), Katherine M White (0000-0002-0345-4724, Queensland University of Technology)
Year2009
Volume12
Issue6
Pages755-759
Publication date2009-09-29
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueCyberPsychology & Behavior (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1094-9313 • E-ISSN: 1557-8364
PublisherMary Ann Liebert, Inc (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1089/cpb.2009.0109
PMID19788377
OpenAlexW2016376982
LanguageEN
Citations received79
References cited18

Despite the increasing popularity of social networking Web sites (SNWs), very little is known about the psychosocial variables that predict people's use of these Web sites. The present study used an extended model of the theory of planned behavior (TPB), including the additional variables of self-identity and belongingness, to predict high-level SNW use intentions and behavior in a sample of young people ages 17 to 24 years. Additional analyses examined the impact of self-identity and belongingness on young people's addictive tendencies toward SNWs. University students (N = 233) completed measures of the standard TPB constructs (attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control), the additional predictor variables (self-identity and belongingness), demographic variables (age, gender, and past behavior), and addictive tendencies. One week later, they reported their engagement in high-level SNW use during the previous week. Regression analyses partially supported the TPB: attitude and subjective norm significantly predicted intentions to engage in high-level SNW use with intention significantly predicting behavior. Self-identity, but not belongingness, significantly contributed to the prediction of intention and, unexpectedly, behavior. Past behavior also significantly predicted intention and behavior. Self-identity and belongingness significantly predicted addictive tendencies toward SNWs. Overall, the present study revealed that high-level SNW use is influenced by attitudinal, normative, and self-identity factors, findings that can be used to inform strategies that aim to modify young people's high levels of use or addictive tendencies for SNWs

Addiction · Belongingness · Popularity · Psychiatry · Theory of planned behavior · Digital Marketing and Social Media · Impact of Technology on Adolescents · Psychology · Social Media and Politics · Social Psychology

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