Passive social network usage and life satisfaction among Vietnamese university students: a moderated mediation model of self-esteem and gender
Mental Health and Social Inclusion
ISSN: 2042-8308
Article publication date: 25 January 2024
Issue publication date: 9 July 2024
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the role of self-esteem in mediating the relationship between passive social networking usage (PSNU) and life satisfaction, as well as whether the relationships between PSNU and self-esteem/life satisfaction as well as self-esteem and life satisfaction vary by gender.
Design/methodology/approach
This research is conducted in compliance with the ethical standards of the American Psychological Association’s study on a subject of 304 students. Study participants are invited to participate in the survey by completing the anonymous questionnaire regarding passive social network usage, self-esteem and life satisfaction.
Findings
The findings indicate that self-esteem mediated the relationship between PSNU and life satisfaction. Furthermore, gender moderated the self-esteem and life satisfaction relationship, and such an effect was stronger for females than males.
Research limitations/implications
This study, adopting a cross-sectional design and self-report scale, examined the relationship between PSNU and life satisfaction. However, the short study duration hindered establishing a cause-and-effect relationship. Credibility concerns arose from participant-induced noise variables in the self-report scale. Future research should use diverse methods to validate underlying mechanisms. Despite limitations, the study revealed self-esteem as a mediating factor, alleviating the negative impact of PSNU on life satisfaction. Both male and female users are encouraged to engage in self-education, valuing their self-esteem for heightened life satisfaction.
Originality/value
These findings contribute to the understanding of how passive social network usage predicts life satisfaction (mediating effect of self-esteem) based on social comparison theory and when self-esteem increases life satisfaction (moderating effect of gender) based on social role theory of gender differences.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
Since submission of this article, the following author has updated their affiliation: Nhan Nguyen is at the Department of Sociology, University of Texas, San Antonio, Texas, USA.
Citation
Nguyen, N., Dang, A., Ngo, T., Tran, H. and Tran, D. (2024), "Passive social network usage and life satisfaction among Vietnamese university students: a moderated mediation model of self-esteem and gender", Mental Health and Social Inclusion, Vol. 28 No. 4, pp. 308-320. https://doi.org/10.1108/MHSI-11-2023-0117
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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