The associations of use of social network sites with perceived social support and loneliness

• DOI: 10.1007/s12144-021-02673-9
• Publication Date: 2022-01-27T05:02:47Z
• Authors: Vanessa Caba Machado; David Mcilroy; Francisca M. Padi...; Rebecca Murphy; Susan Palmer-Conn
• Keywords: UCLA Loneliness Scale; Social network (sociolinguistics); Computer-assisted web interviewing

Abstract Research shows that use of social network sites is associated with loneliness and this may be amplified in tertiary students by their transition from home life, especially if they struggle to integrate peers. The buffering effects support offer a solution the online dimension suitable outlet for lonely isolated students. In study, N = 111 university students, aged 18-40, completed frequency assessment Instagram WhatsApp, Spanish version UCLA scale Multidimensional Scale Social Support an survey. statistical analysis was Structural Equation Modeling using AMOS 25.0. construct validity established good factor loadings WhatsApp Instagram, but Facebook excluded as it did not load adequately on latent measurement model, keeping diminishing trend young Loneliness emerged pivotal mediation friends/significant others, salient predictive model contrast family. However, these associations have same advantageous weight mature given observed negative age. Results implications policy planning through highlighting psychological variables are operative dynamics integration, retention, adjustment level experience.