Family factors and personality factors affecting daily SNS usage in individuals aged 14-19 years

Abstract Introduction: In recent years, social networking sites (SNS), such as Facebook, Twitter or Instagram have gained immense popularity and have become an essential part of many people’s everyday lives. In Poland, 19 million people, i.e. about a half of the whole population, are active SNS users. Aim: The aim of the present study was to analyze the relationship of family and personality factors with daily SNS usage time in adolescents aged 14 to 19 years. Participants: The study included 291 junior-high and high school students aged 14–19 years. In this sample, 246 individuals had an SNS profile. Methods: The following instruments were used: an Inquiry Form designed by the present authors, Gough and Heilbrun’s Adjective Check List, the Coping with Stress Questionnaire by Janke, Erdmann and Boucsein and the Buss and Durkee Hostility-Guilt Inventory. Results: Based on correlation coefficients, significant associations were found between increased daily SNS usage and negative relationships with parents, maladaptive coping, and increased aggression. Conclusions: 1. Participants who spent more time using SNS were more likely to feel lonely in their families and have a sense of not being accepted and understood by their parents. 2. Young people who spent more time using SNS were more likely to respond to a stressful situation with a sense of helplessness and resignation and to cope by downplaying their problems and seeking substitute gratification or support. 3. Young people who spent more time using SNS were more likely to respond with indirect aggression, negativism, suspicion, hostility and verbal aggression.