Qing Yang, K. van den Bos, Xiaoying Zhang, Savannah M. Adams, O. Ybarra
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引用次数: 4
Abstract
ABSTRACT Social network sites (SNSs) allow young people to experiment with and present different aspects of themselves during important periods of self-concept development. Interestingly, whether SNSs have negative or positive effects on self-concept clarity (SCC) is inconclusive. We propose that SNS use may simultaneously produce negative and positive effects on SCC, depending on how people use it and the social connection quality created on-line. Specifically, the suppressing mediation model reveals that the direct effect of SNS use intensity on SCC is negative, whereas the indirect effects via perceived social support and self-esteem are positive, suggesting these variables may suppress the negative effect of SNS use on SCC. Our framework helps to explain how SNS contexts influence identity development in young people.
期刊介绍:
Work on self and identity has a special place in the study of human nature, as self-concerns are arguably at the center of individuals" striving for well-being and for making sense of one"s life. Life goals develop and are influenced by one"s view of what one is like, the way one would ideally like to be (or would like to avoid being), as well as one"s perceptions of what is feasible. Furthermore, conceptions of self and the world affect how one"s progress towards these goals is monitored, evaluated, redirected, re-evaluated, and pursued again. Thus, the “self” as a construct has far-reaching implications for behavior, self-esteem, motivation, experience of emotions and the world more broadly, and hence for interpersonal relationships, society, and culture.