Interpersonally-Based Fears and Problematic Social Networking Site Use: The Moderating Role of Online Social Support

Abstract

Within the Compensatory Internet Use Theory (CIUT) framework, online activities may compensate for psychosocial problems. However, those who attempt to satisfy their needs or mitigate their fears via Social Networking Sites (SNSs) may be at heightened risk for problematic use of SNSs (PSNSU), especially in cases when these fears have an interpersonal basis, and the individual effectively finds online social support. The current study hypothesizes that interpersonally-based fears (i.e., fear of no mattering, fear of intimacy, and fear of negative evaluation) predict PSNSU, and online social support moderates these associations. Four hundred and fifty Italian participants (Mage = 27.42 ± 7.54; F = 73.5%) take part in the study. As examined by path analysis, the three interpersonal fears were positively associated with PSNSU, and online social support significantly moderates the relationship between fear of negative evaluation and PSNSU. The model accounted for 19% of the variance of PSNSU and showed good fit indices. The associations' strengths decrease as age increases. Overall, the current study finds further support for the theory that motivations need to be taken into account when it comes to internet uses (i.e., CIUT) and extends our understanding by highlighting that online social support might reinforce the link between the fear of being negatively evaluated and PSNSU.

The Relationship Between Harsh Parenting and Smartphone Addiction Among Adolescents: Serial Mediating Role of Depression and Social Pain

“…When faced with stressful events, many individuals resort to the overuse of the internet (such as through smartphone addiction) as a means to release psychological pressure. [56][57][58][59] Consequently, individuals experiencing negative emotions (eg, depression) are more inclined to employ the internet (eg, smartphone addiction) in order to mitigate stress and alleviate negative emotions. Empirical studies have consistently demonstrated that depression constitutes a significant risk factor for smartphone addiction.…”

“…84 In line with compensatory internet use theory, individuals experiencing depression tend to engage in excessive internet use (smartphone addiction) as a means to alleviate their depressive symptoms. [56][57][58][59] Problematic internet use (eg, smartphone addiction) can be seen as an escape response to negative life events. 85 When adolescents faced with negative emotional reactions such as depression, they might adopt maladaptive coping strategies in order to release psychological stress and relieve negative emotions by excessively relying on mobile phones.…”

Problematic Social Networking Site use-effects on mental health and the brain

“…Among 8,912 college students across seven countries (U.S., Canada, Spain, England, Argentina, Uruguay, and South Africa) high ruminating thoughts have accounted for major depressive and social anxiety symptoms ( 31 ). Several studies have shown an association between low self-esteem ( 32 , 33 ) and fear of negative self-evaluation ( 34 ) anxiety ( 35 ) and problematic SNS use.…”