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Trust in Social Media: Enhancing Social Relationships

Author

Listed:
  • 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)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Islam Habis Mohammad Hatamleh & Amjad Omar Safori & Mohammed Habes & Othman Tahat & Amer Khaled Ahmad & Rania Abdel-Qader Abdallah & Rahima Aissani, 2023. "Trust in Social Media: Enhancing Social Relationships," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 12(7), pages 1-22, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jscscx:v:12:y:2023:i:7:p:416-:d:1198372
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Malthouse, Edward C. & Haenlein, Michael & Skiera, Bernd & Wege, Egbert & Zhang, Michael, 2013. "Managing Customer Relationships in the Social Media Era: Introducing the Social CRM House," Journal of Interactive Marketing, Elsevier, vol. 27(4), pages 270-280.
    2. Zhu, Yu-Qian & Chen, Houn-Gee, 2015. "Social media and human need satisfaction: Implications for social media marketing," Business Horizons, Elsevier, vol. 58(3), pages 335-345.
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