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Facebook Users’ Engagement and Perceived Life Satisfaction

Author

Listed:
  • Tammy R. Vigil

    (College of Communication, Boston University, Boston, USA)

  • H. Denis Wu

    (College of Communication, Boston University, Boston, USA)

Abstract

This study extends existing research on Facebook’s impact on users’ life satisfaction. The results from two surveys of college students demonstrate a tension between Facebook use and users’ perceived contentment with their lives. Existing literature indicates students use Facebook to enhance self-esteem, yet the results from this study connect increased Facebook use to lower self-reported levels of happiness. In particular, respondents’ interactions with photos and videos increase users’ dissatisfaction. This phenomenon may be due to the impact photos have on the ways users engage in social comparisons with Facebook “friends” and the self-construals they create based on these comparisons.

Suggested Citation

  • Tammy R. Vigil & H. Denis Wu, 2015. "Facebook Users’ Engagement and Perceived Life Satisfaction," Media and Communication, Cogitatio Press, vol. 3(1), pages 5-16.
    • Handle: RePEc:cog:meanco:v:3:y:2015:i:1:p:5-16
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Antoci, Angelo & Sabatini, Fabio & Sodini, Mauro, 2012. "See you on Facebook! A framework for analyzing the role of computer-mediated interaction in the evolution of social capital," Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Economics (formerly The Journal of Socio-Economics), Elsevier, vol. 41(5), pages 541-547.
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