Social anxiety, attributes of online communication and self-disclosure across private and public Facebook communication

Oversharing on Social Media: Anxiety, Attention-Seeking, and Social Media Addiction Predict the Breadth and Depth of Sharing

Oversharing on social media by adolescents is a considerable problem in the digital age, and has the potential to instigate online shaming, cyberbullying, identity theft, and other security risks. To date, oversharing has not been comprehensively studied and there is scarce understanding of the possible psychological conditions that may underlie this maladaptive online behavior. This study aimed to measure online oversharing and its potential psychological correlates among adolescents. Data were collected from 352 Iranian adolescent social media users (270 girls and 82 boys; Mage = 16.38, SD = 1.71). The Online Oversharing Inventory, developed for this study, demonstrated unidimensionality and excellent internal consistency. Further results showed that boys overshared significantly more on social media than girls did. Anxiety, attention-seeking, and social media addiction were significantly associated with elevated levels of online oversharing. Results show that the Online Oversharing Inventory is a brief and robust tool for the assessment of high frequency self-disclosure on social media. The findings suggest that anxiety, attention-seeking, and problematic use of social media may predispose adolescents to overshare personal information online.

Influence of personality traits on online self-disclosure: Considering perceived value and degree of authenticity separately as mediator and moderator

The Chinese have been spending significantly more time on the Internet during post-pandemic time. When people are confined indoors, there is a greater need to construct an identity and socialize online. Personality traits and perceived value of the media are important factors that affect users' online self-disclosure. This study involved the construction of a mediation model and a moderator model to evaluate the influence of personality traits on self-disclosure on social media. Perceived value was regarded as the mediator while the degree of authenticity was regarded as the moderator. Using a quota sampling method, 1,075 Chinese netizens were surveyed in July and August 2021. The results showed that: (1) The depth of self-disclosure of subjects with extroverted personality was significantly higher than that of those with introverted personality, that is, personality traits affect the depth of self-disclosure; (2) perceived value plays a mediating role in online self-disclosure; (3) The degree of authenticity is a significant moderator in the relationship between personality and self-disclosure. In all, the results from this study contribute to our understanding of how personality traits affect perceived value of media and self-disclosure. This study tested the credibility and validity of the proposed model in the context of the recent COVID-19 pandemic lockdown in China, and the study is a novel approach in that area of research.

Autonomous Motivation and Self-Disclosure Intention

Studies that specifically discuss the formation of autonomous motivations of users of social networking services (SNSs) and how such motivation influences SNS user intention to disclose personal location-related information (PLRI) are absent from the literature. Consequently, this study, based on the self-determination theory and the information system success (ISS) model, investigates the relationships among key system-related quality factors, SNS users’ autonomous motivations and user satisfaction regarding an SNS, and their intentions to disclose PLRI. Survey data collected from 514 students at six universities were analyzed to validate our research model. Research results show that three system-related quality factors have different influences on user satisfaction and autonomous motivation, while both autonomous motivation and user satisfaction are significant antecedents of user intention to disclose PLRI. The research results have extended the application and advanced the understanding of ISS model and self-determination theory in the context of SNS.

Measuring associations between social anxiety and use of different types of social media using the Swedish Social Anxiety Scale for Social Media Users: A psychometric evaluation and cross-sectional study

Research on the association between social anxiety and social media usage remains inconclusive: despite the preference for computer-mediated communication there is currently no clear empirical support for social anxiety being associated with longer duration of social media use. Self-report measures for social anxiety that are adapted for the context of social media could facilitate further research. The current study aimed to develop a Swedish version of the recently developed Social Anxiety Scale for Social Media Users (SAS-SMU), evaluate its psychometric properties, and explore associations between different uses of social media and social anxiety. Three factors were retained for SAS-SMU with excellent internal consistency. SAS-SMU evidenced convergent validity with measures of social anxiety, negative convergent validity with satisfaction with life, and divergent validity with measures of obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression and generalized anxiety disorder. Results indicated that higher levels of social anxiety were associated with passive and active use as well as longer duration of social media use in general, which is at odds with a previous study where passive use remained the only significant predictor for social anxiety.

Design, Delivery, Maintenance, and Outcomes of Peer-to-Peer Online Support Groups for People With Chronic Musculoskeletal Disorders: Systematic Review

Background

Online support groups (OSGs) are one way for people with chronic diseases, their family or friends, and health professionals to communicate, gain information, and provide social support. As the number of peer-to-peer OSGs for chronic musculoskeletal conditions grows, it is important to gain insight into the different designs of groups available, who is accessing them, if and how they may be effective, and what strategies are being used to implement or increase consumer engagement.

Objective

The objectives of this systematic review of people with musculoskeletal conditions were to (1) describe the design features (functions, usage options, moderation, and expert input) of peer-to-peer OSGs, (2) describe the characteristics of the individuals using peer-to-peer OSGs, (3) synthesize the evidence on outcomes of participation, and (4) identify strategies used in the delivery and maintenance of OSGs.

Methods

A search comprising terms related to the population (people with musculoskeletal disorders) and the intervention (peer-to-peer OSGs) was conducted in 6 databases. Results were filtered from 1990 (internet inception) to February 2019. Studies identified in the search were screened according to predefined eligibility criteria using a 2-step process. Quantitative studies were appraised by 2 reviewers using the Risk Of Bias In Non-Randomized Studies of Interventions tool. Qualitative studies were appraised by 2 different reviewers using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist. Extracted data were synthesized narratively.

Results

We examined 21 studies with low to moderate risk of bias. Of these studies, 13 studies included OSGs hosted on public platforms, 11 studies examined OSGs that were conducted in English, and 6 studies used moderators or peer leaders to facilitate engagement. Studies either reported the number of OSG members (n=1985 across all studies) or the number of posts (range: 223-200,000). The majority of OSG members were females who were not full-time employees and with varied levels of education. There were no randomized controlled trials measuring the efficacy of OSGs. Qualitative and quantitative studies identified empowerment, social support, self-management behavior, and health literacy as primary constructs to measure OSG efficacy. Neutral or marginal improvement was reported in these constructs. Sharing experiences and a greater level of engagement appeared to have an important influence on OSGs efficacy. The extent to which members posted on the website influenced engagement.

Conclusions

Across a diverse range of designs, languages, included features, and delivery platforms, peer-to-peer OSGs for chronic musculoskeletal conditions attract predominantly female participants of all ages and education levels. The level of participation of a member appears to be related to their perceived benefit, health literacy, and empowerment. Future studies are needed to identify which design and maintenance strategies have superior efficacy and whether there are concomitant improvements in health outcomes for people with chronic musculoskeletal conditions resulting from participation in OSGs.

Trial Registration

PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews CRD42018090326; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42018090326

Incidencia del clima familiar y escolar en la conducta de ciberacoso: Estudio con adolescentes de Córdoba (Argentina)

El mayor acceso y el incremento en el uso de las tecnologías ha invadido el mundo adolescente y, a partir de ello, se observa un nuevo tipo de agresión más expansiva y nociva denominado ciberacoso. Se considera importante incluir en el estudio de esta problemática el análisis del clima familiar como el escolar. El estudio de tipo cuantitativo tiene como objetivo estudiar la prevalencia del ciberacoso en función de los diferentes roles, sexo, edad y gestión escolar; determinar en qué medida el ciberacoso y las variables de clima escolar y familiar están relacionadas y caracterizar los grupos de adolescentes en relación a las conductas de ciberacoso y las variables en estudio. Se administró el test Cyberbullying a 3,500 adolescentes entre 11 y 20 años. Los resultados arrojan que se encuentra mayor proporción de varones en el rol de ciberagresores (escuelas privadas) y las mujeres de escuelas públicas se posicionan más como cibervíctimas y ciberobservadoras. En ambos tipos de gestión son las chicas quienes presentan una diferencia significativa en relación a las dimensiones de clima familiar y escolar. En el análisis de correlación se observa que si bien la mayoría de las relaciones estudiadas, son estadísticamente significativas, los coeficientes encontrados son moderados o bajos. El análisis de clúster permitió identificar cuatro grupos con una explicación del 70% de la variabilidad interna de los datos. Se concluye en la necesidad de incorporar las dimensiones del contexto familiar y escolar en programas socioeducativos centrados en la prevención y reducción del ciberacoso.

Motivational differences and similarities between concealment and disclosure processes

Self-concealment and self-disclosure may initially appear as the opposite sides of the same coin. Although these two constructs are related, they involve different cognitive and motivational processes. This article briefly reviews the recent literature and discusses the differences and similarities between concealment and disclosure in terms of motivational processes. An emphasis is given on self-determination theory and basic psychological needs. Future directions involve a refinement on whether concealment and disclosure differ in terms of basic need satisfaction and frustration, examining the role of self-determined and controlled motivation in secrecy, and whether self-disclosure also involves cognitively intrusive mental processes.

Addicted to Facebook? Relationship between Facebook Addiction Disorder, duration of Facebook use and narcissism in an inpatient sample

The present study explored the Facebook Addiction Disorder (FAD) in an inpatient sample in Germany. Of the 112 Facebook users (71.4% women; age(years): M (SD) = 49.43 (9.17)), who were patients of a psychosomatic rehabilitation clinic with affective disorders and anxiety disorders as most common diagnoses, 28.6% reached the critical polythetic cutoff score of FAD, 0.9% researched the critical monothetic cutoff score, and 86.6% had enhanced values of withdrawal symptoms due to Facebook use. The mean level of FAD was significantly higher in inpatients with week depression than in inpatients with moderate depression. In the whole sample, FAD was significantly positively linked to duration of Facebook use and the personality trait narcissism. Present results provide first evidence of FAD in a non-student inpatient sample. They contribute to the understanding of the development of FAD and demonstrate that addictive Facebook use may impact persons who suffer from mental disorders, especially when they have enhanced levels of the personality trait narcissism. Practical applications for research and clinical treatment, as well as limitations of present results are discussed.

Doxing Victimization and Emotional Problems among Secondary School Students in Hong Kong

Doxing is the searching for and intentional disclosure of private information about a particular individual on the Internet without his or her consent, and is often used to exact punishment. The aim of this study was to investigate the associations between doxing victimization and emotional problems in secondary school students, paying particular regard to the impacts of different types of doxed information, the relationship between the perpetrators and victims of doxing, and the nature of the online platforms where doxing occurs. A sample of 2120 Hong Kong secondary school students of differing socioeconomic backgrounds participated in the study. The results show that almost all types of disclosed personal information result in negative feelings in victims, including depression, anxiety, and stress. Girls were also found to be more likely than boys to be doxed. Significant associations were found between emotional problems and the disclosure of mobile phone numbers and personal photos and videos; doxing conducted by schoolmates and anxiety and depression, and doxing through Instant Messenger and anxiety. Further exploration of integrated cyber violence prevention programs and research on the details of doxing are recommended.

Facebook: Risks and Opportunities in Brazilian and Portuguese Youths with Different Levels of Psychosocial Adjustment

This study aimed to assess the risks and opportunities associated with Facebook usage and to explore the moderating role of psychosocial (mal)adjustment, nationality and age in these relationships. This correlational study involved a sample of 452 Brazilian and 500 Portuguese youths, aged between 14 and 20 years. Results showed that these youths spent a daily average of 61-120 minutes on Facebook, three to four times per week, displaying a positive attitude towards its use. These characteristics were most notable in the Brazilian youths [t(950) = 5.64, p < .001; t(950) = -5.07, p < .001; and t(950) = - 6.85, p < .001, respectively]. The Portuguese youths ran more risks than the Brazilians [t(950) = 6.36, p < .001], but both youths equally enjoyed the opportunities. In the case of the Portuguese youths, the risks and opportunities were moderated by the frequency of use, in other words "the higher the usage, the more risks and opportunities" (β = -.235 p < .001and β = -.167, p < .001, respectively). The psychosocial adjustment indicators did not moderate the effects of Facebook usage habits in risks and opportunities. The less psychosocially adjusted youths were those who ran more risks and also made the most of the opportunities. The results are discussed in light of the role of psychological, socio-cultural and developmental factors.

Social Anxiety and Benign and Toxic Online Self-Disclosures: An Investigation Into the Role of Rejection Sensitivity, Self-Regulation, and Internet Addiction in College Students

This work aimed to explore the relationship between social anxiety with benign and toxic online self-disclosures with the mediating role of rejection sensitivity, self-regulation, and Internet addiction. In this study, 358 students who were active members of social networks at the Mohaghegh Ardabili University, Iran were evaluated in the form of a structural equation model. The results substantiated that social anxiety could explain 47% of the variance in benign online self-disclosure and 27% of toxic online self-disclosure with the mediating role of rejection sensitivity, self-regulation, and Internet addiction. It was found that people with high social anxiety had higher rejection sensitivity and lower self-regulation. Also, people with higher social anxiety had directly higher benign and toxic online self-disclosures. The results indicated that self-regulation did not have a direct impact on benign online self-disclosure; however, it had a direct negative impact on toxic online self-disclosure.

Social Networking Sites, Depression, and Anxiety: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Social networking sites (SNSs) have become a pervasive part of modern culture, which may also affect mental health.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this systematic review was to identify and summarize research examining depression and anxiety in the context of SNSs. It also aimed to identify studies that complement the assessment of mental illness with measures of well-being and examine moderators and mediators that add to the complexity of this environment.

METHODS

A multidatabase search was performed. Papers published between January 2005 and June 2016 relevant to mental illness (depression and anxiety only) were extracted and reviewed.

RESULTS

Positive interactions, social support, and social connectedness on SNSs were consistently related to lower levels of depression and anxiety, whereas negative interaction and social comparisons on SNSs were related to higher levels of depression and anxiety. SNS use related to less loneliness and greater self-esteem and life satisfaction. Findings were mixed for frequency of SNS use and number of SNS friends. Different patterns in the way individuals with depression and individuals with social anxiety engage with SNSs are beginning to emerge.

CONCLUSIONS

The systematic review revealed many mixed findings between depression, anxiety, and SNS use. Methodology has predominantly focused on self-report cross-sectional approaches; future research will benefit from leveraging real-time SNS data over time. The evidence suggests that SNS use correlates with mental illness and well-being; however, whether this effect is beneficial or detrimental depends at least partly on the quality of social factors in the SNS environment. Understanding these relationships will lead to better utilization of SNSs in their potential to positively influence mental health.