Development and validation of the Scale of Motives for Using Social Networking Sites (SMU-SNS) for adolescents and youths

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0225781
• Publication Date: 2019-12-03T18:35:20Z
• Authors: Miguel-Ángel Pert...; Alfredo Oliva; Ana Rodríguez-Mei...
• Keywords: Male; Motivation; Adolescent; Science; 4. Education; Q; 05 social sciences; R; Reproducibility of Results; Focus Groups; Social Networking; Young Adult; Surveys and Questionnaires; Medicine; Humans; Female; 0501 psychology and cognitive sciences; Factor Analysis, Statistical; Research Article

Over the past decade, Uses and Gratifications theory has driven research on motives behind social media use. The three most commonly explored have been: maintaining relationships, seeking information, entertainment. aim of this study was to develop validate Scale Motives for Using Social Networking Sites (SMU-SNS), a measure assess wider range using than previously been researched. A multi-method design with different samples high-school university students used. First, pool items, literature review focus group (n = 48, age 16–21) conducted. Second, reduce refine items pilot 168, 14–24) performed. Third, validation 1102, 13–25) conducted validity reliability SMU-SNS. Cross-validation EFA CFA resulted in final version comprising 27 distributed nine factors (Dating, New Friendships, Academic Purposes, Connectedness, Following Monitoring Others, Entertainment, Recognition, Self-expression, Information). Internal consistency excellent evidence measurement invariance across gender largely achieved. SMU-SNS scores significantly correlated other relevant variables, including age, gender, certain personality traits, support, loneliness, life satisfaction. Overall, findings supported as valid reliable youth's Sites. Psychometric general implications are discussed.