Unveiling mechanism of SNSs addiction on wellbeing: the moderating role of loneliness and social anxiety

Naeem Akhtar, Tahir Islam, Zahid Hameed, Abdul Ghaffar, Anshuman Sharma, Tomáš Kincl and Fazila Islam

Behaviour and Information Technology, 2025, vol. 44, issue 12, 2876-2895

Abstract: Social networking sites (SNSs) play a crucial role in the lives of online users. This research aims to investigate the underlying mechanisms of SNS addiction and its subsequent impact on the wellbeing of online users. Employing the Stimulus-Organism-Response (SOR) model, we examine the influence of perceived enjoyment, utilitarian needs, and social influence on SNSs addiction and its associated consequences. Additionally, we consider the boundary conditions of loneliness as the predictors of SNSs addiction and social anxiety in the association between SNSs addiction and strain. We collected data (Time 1 and II) from 558 SNSs users using an online survey. By employing structural equation modelling via Smart PLS 4.0, our findings indicate that perceived enjoyment, utilitarian needs, and social influence significantly contribute to SNSs addiction. Furthermore, SNS addiction is positively correlated with strain, which positively triggers users’ wellbeing. We also found a significant positive moderating effect of loneliness and social anxiety on the proposed relationships. Overall, this study enhances our understanding of the theoretical foundations and multifaceted influences contributing to the literature on SNSs addiction and its impact on wellbeing through strain. It also acknowledges the study's limitations and suggests directions for future research.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1080/0144929X.2024.2417390

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