Active and passive social networking sites usage and negative emotions: A reciprocal relationship?

Xin Xue Zhang, Detlef H. Rost, Jin Liang Wang*, Katherine J. Reynolds

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

    16 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Introduction: The increasing popularity of social networking sites (SNS) has stimulated research on the relationship between SNS usage and users’ mental health. The current study aims to shed light on the possible reciprocal relationship between type of SNS usage and subsequent mental health among Chinese college students. Method: A latent variable cross-lagged panel analysis (two waves) was conducted (N = 266). Results showed that negative emotions (loneliness, depression) at Time 1 (T1) was positively related to both active SNS usage and passive SNS usage at Time 2 (T2). However, neither active nor passive SNS usage at T1 was found to be associated with negative emotions at T2. Discussion: In this current research, the key finding is that type of usage did not impact on users’ mental health. Future research might investigate the role of individual and social factors (e.g., self-esteem and life satisfaction) in moderating the relationship between SNS use and mental health.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)195-213
    Number of pages19
    JournalJournal of Social and Clinical Psychology
    Volume39
    Issue number3
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - Mar 2020

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