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A ‘Control Model’ of Social Media Engagement in Adolescence: A Grounded Theory Analysis

Author

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  • Melina A. Throuvala

    (International Gaming Research Unit, Psychology Department, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham NG1 4FQ, UK)

  • Mark D. Griffiths

    (International Gaming Research Unit, Psychology Department, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham NG1 4FQ, UK)

  • Mike Rennoldson

    (Psychology Department, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham NG1 4FQ, UK)

  • Daria J. Kuss

    (International Gaming Research Unit, Psychology Department, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham NG1 4FQ, UK)

Abstract

Adolescents actively use social media, which engages them cognitively, emotionally, and behaviorally. However, the underlying psychological mechanisms of engagement have not been adequately addressed. The present study examined adolescents’ psychological processes as these develop in their everyday interactions via social media. The sample comprised six focus groups with 42 adolescents from UK-based schools. Data were analyzed using constructivist grounded theory. The resulting concepts related to individual, social, and structurally related processes, highlighting a synergy between the processes underlying use and a gradual reduction of control as individual, social, and structurally led processes emerge, conceptualized as the ‘ control model ’ of social media engagement. The findings highlight a controlling aspect in engagement and a dynamic interplay between the processes as mutually determining the quality and the intensity of the interaction. Recommendations are provided for examining control as a main emotional, cognitive, and behavioral mechanism in problematic and/or addictive social media and smartphone use.

Suggested Citation

  • Melina A. Throuvala & Mark D. Griffiths & Mike Rennoldson & Daria J. Kuss, 2019. "A ‘Control Model’ of Social Media Engagement in Adolescence: A Grounded Theory Analysis," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(23), pages 1-18, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:16:y:2019:i:23:p:4696-:d:290802
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Daria J. Kuss & Lydia Harkin & Eiman Kanjo & Joel Billieux, 2018. "Problematic Smartphone Use: Investigating Contemporary Experiences Using a Convergent Design," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(1), pages 1-16, January.
    2. Daria J. Kuss & Mark D. Griffiths, 2017. "Social Networking Sites and Addiction: Ten Lessons Learned," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(3), pages 1-17, March.
    3. Daria J. Kuss & Mark D. Griffiths, 2011. "Online Social Networking and Addiction—A Review of the Psychological Literature," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 8(9), pages 1-25, August.
    4. Paul Benjamin Lowry & Jun Zhang & Chuang Wang & Mikko Siponen, 2016. "Why Do Adults Engage in Cyberbullying on Social Media? An Integration of Online Disinhibition and Deindividuation Effects with the Social Structure and Social Learning Model," Information Systems Research, INFORMS, vol. 27(4), pages 962-986, December.
    5. Vittoria Franchina & Mariek Vanden Abeele & Antonius J. Van Rooij & Gianluca Lo Coco & Lieven De Marez, 2018. "Fear of Missing Out as a Predictor of Problematic Social Media Use and Phubbing Behavior among Flemish Adolescents," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(10), pages 1-18, October.
    6. Campbell Pryor & Amy Perfors & Piers D. L. Howe, 2019. "Even arbitrary norms influence moral decision-making," Nature Human Behaviour, Nature, vol. 3(1), pages 57-62, January.
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