Trust in Social Media: Enhancing Social Relationships

Islam Habis Mohammad Hatamleh (), Amjad Omar Safori, Mohammed Habes, Othman Tahat, Amer Khaled Ahmad, Rania Abdel-Qader Abdallah and Rahima Aissani
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Islam Habis Mohammad Hatamleh: Department of Media and Communication Technology, Faculty of Arts and Languages, Jadara University, Irbid 21110, Jordan
Amjad Omar Safori: Department of Journalism and Digital Media, Faculty of Media, Zarqa University, Zarqa 13110, Jordan
Mohammed Habes: Department of Radio & TV, Yarmouk University, Irbid 21163, Jordan
Othman Tahat: Department of Journalism and Digital Media, Faculty of Media, Zarqa University, Zarqa 13110, Jordan
Amer Khaled Ahmad: Department of Journalism and Digital Media, Faculty of Media, Zarqa University, Zarqa 13110, Jordan
Rania Abdel-Qader Abdallah: Mass Communication Department, Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 64141Al, United Arab Emirates
Rahima Aissani: Mass Communication Department, Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 64141Al, United Arab Emirates

Social Sciences, 2023, vol. 12, issue 7, 1-22

Abstract: This study aims to explore the moderating effect of trust on the relationship between social media engagement, relationship benefits, and social relationships, utilizing an innovative framework grounded in social exchange theory. Employing a quantitative analysis with structural equation modeling (SEM), using a questionnaire distributed to a sample of 493 Jordanian youth, the results unveil a positive correlation between social media engagement and social relationships, with trust emerging as a crucial moderator in this dynamic. Trust positively moderates the connection between social media engagement and social relationships. This research sheds light on the pivotal role of trust in shaping social relationships on social media platforms. However, the interaction between trust and relationship benefits does not significantly impact social relationships. By expanding on existing knowledge, this study offers a fresh perspective on the interplay between trust, social media engagement, relationship benefits, and social relationships, emphasizing the potential of understanding trust to foster stronger social connections in the digital age. The results suggest that the positive influence of social media engagement on social relationships possibly will be determined by the level of trust present inside online communities.

Keywords: social media; engagement; relationship benefits; trust; social relationships (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: A B N P Y80 Z00 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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