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Development and validation of the Scale of Motives for Using Social Networking Sites (SMU-SNS) for adolescents and youths

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  • Miguel-Ángel Pertegal
  • Alfredo Oliva
  • Ana Rodríguez-Meirinhos

Abstract

Over the past decade, the Uses and Gratifications theory has driven research on the motives behind social media use. The three most commonly explored motives have been: maintaining relationships, seeking information, and entertainment. The aim of this study was to develop and validate the Scale of Motives for Using Social Networking Sites (SMU-SNS), a measure to assess a wider range of motives for using Social Networking Sites than have previously been researched. A multi-method design with different samples of high-school and university students was used. First, to develop the pool of items, a literature review and a focus group study (n = 48, age range = 16–21) was conducted. Second, to reduce and refine the pool of items a pilot study (n = 168, age range = 14–24) was performed. Third, a validation study (n = 1102, age range = 13–25) was conducted to assess the validity and reliability of the SMU-SNS. Cross-validation using EFA and CFA resulted in a final version comprising 27 items distributed in nine factors (Dating, New Friendships, Academic Purposes, Social Connectedness, Following and Monitoring Others, Entertainment, seeking Social Recognition, Self-expression, and seeking Information). Internal consistency was excellent and evidence of measurement invariance across gender and age was largely achieved. The SMU-SNS scores significantly correlated with other relevant variables, including age, gender, certain personality traits, social support, loneliness, and life satisfaction. Overall, findings supported the SMU-SNS as a valid and reliable measure to assess youth’s motives for using Social Networking Sites. Psychometric and general implications are discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Miguel-Ángel Pertegal & Alfredo Oliva & Ana Rodríguez-Meirinhos, 2019. "Development and validation of the Scale of Motives for Using Social Networking Sites (SMU-SNS) for adolescents and youths," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 14(12), pages 1-21, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0225781
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0225781
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. William Meredith, 1993. "Measurement invariance, factor analysis and factorial invariance," Psychometrika, Springer;The Psychometric Society, vol. 58(4), pages 525-543, December.
    3. Krasnova, Hanna & Veltri, Natasha & Eling, Nicole & Buxmann, Peter, 2017. "Why men and women continue to use social networking sites: The role of gender differences," Publications of Darmstadt Technical University, Institute for Business Studies (BWL) 87720, Darmstadt Technical University, Department of Business Administration, Economics and Law, Institute for Business Studies (BWL).
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    1. Sina Ostendorf & Elisa Wegmann & Matthias Brand, 2020. "Problematic Social-Networks-Use in German Children and Adolescents—The Interaction of Need to Belong, Online Self-Regulative Competences, and Age," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(7), pages 1-13, April.

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