The Facebook paths to happiness: effects of the number of Facebook friends and self-presentation on subjective well-being.
The current study investigates whether and how Facebook increases college-age users' subjective well-being by focusing on the number of Facebook friends and self-presentation strategies (positive vs. honest). A structural equation modeling analysis of cross-sectional survey data of college student Facebook users (N=391) revealed that the number of Facebook friends had a positive association with subjective well-being, but this association was not mediated by perceived social support. Additionally, we found that there was a negative curvilinear (inverted U-shape curve) relationship between Facebook friends and perceived social support. As for self-presentation strategies, whereas positive self-presentation had a direct effect on subjective well-being, honest self-presentation had a significant indirect effect on subjective well-being through perceived social support. Our study suggests that the number of Facebook friends and positive self-presentation may enhance users' subjective well-being, but this portion of happiness may not be grounded in perceived social support. On the other hand, honest self-presentation may enhance happiness rooted in social support provided by Facebook friends. Implications of our findings are discussed in light of affirmation of self-worth, time and effort required for building and maintaining friendships, and the important role played by self-disclosure in signaling one's need for social support.
School of Communication Studies, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA. jkim23@kent.edu
Junghyun
J
Kim
Jong-Eun Roselyn
JE
Lee
D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D033062:Friends / Q000523:psychology*; D006240:Happiness; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D012649:Self Concept; D012938:Social Perception; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014495:Universities