Unveiling mechanism of SNSs addiction on wellbeing

The moderating role of loneliness and social anxiety

Datos Bibliográficos

ID21452988
AutoresNaeem Akhtar (0000-0003-4730-8021, University of Engineering and Technology Lahore), Tahir Islam (0000-0001-7251-157X, Leeds Trinity University Business School, Leeds Trinity University, autor de correspondencia), Zahid Hameed (0000-0002-2413-6143, Ajman University), Abdul Ghaffar (0000-0002-5994-8440, Dow University of Health Sciences), Anshuman Sharma (0000-0002-0762-6853, Ajman University), Tomáš Kincl (0000-0002-9738-3348, Prague University of Economics and Business), Fazila Islam (University of Management and Technology)
Año2025
Volumen44
Número12
Páginas2876-2895
Fecha de publicación2025-07-21
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaBehaviour and Information Technology (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 0144-929X • E-ISSN: 1362-3001
EditorialInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/0144929x.2024.2417390
OpenAlexW4403832907
IdiomaEN
Citas recibidas6
Referencias citadas87

Social networking sites (SNSs) play a crucial role in the lives of online users. This research aims to investigate the underlying mechanisms of SNS addiction and its subsequent impact on the wellbeing of online users. Employing the Stimulus-Organism-Response (SOR) model, we examine the influence of perceived enjoyment, utilitarian needs, and social influence on SNSs addiction and its associated consequences. Additionally, we consider the boundary conditions of loneliness as the predictors of SNSs addiction and social anxiety in the association between SNSs addiction and strain. We collected data (Time 1 and II) from 558 SNSs users using an online survey. By employing structural equation modelling via Smart PLS 4.0, our findings indicate that perceived enjoyment, utilitarian needs, and social influence significantly contribute to SNSs addiction. Furthermore, SNS addiction is positively correlated with strain, which positively triggers users’ wellbeing. We also found a significant positive moderating effect of loneliness and social anxiety on the proposed relationships. Overall, this study enhances our understanding of the theoretical foundations and multifaceted influences contributing to the literature on SNSs addiction and its impact on wellbeing through strain. It also acknowledges the study's limitations and suggests directions for future research

Addiction · Anxiety · Loneliness · Mechanism (biology) · Psychiatry · Psychotherapist · Social anxiety · Clinical Psychology · Impact of Technology on Adolescents · Mental Health via Writing · Psychology · Technostress in Professional Settings