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Passive/Active WeChat Use and Subjective Well-being among Chinese Parents: A Serial Mediation Model

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Listed:
  • Peng Wang
  • Sharifah Sofiah Syed Zainudin
  • Nurul Ain Mohd Hasan
  • Shaohua Huo
  • Xiaoyan Wang

Abstract

Previous studies have explored the direct impact of social media use on subjective well-being (SWB), but they have not fully grasped the potential mechanisms underlying this relationship. As a result, this study aims to investigate the direct relationship between passive/active WeChat use and SWB, as well as how upward social comparison, perceived social support, and self-esteem serially mediate the relationship between passive/active WeChat use and SWB among Chinese parents. The current study, which used a sample of 403 Chinese parents, found no significant relationship between passive WeChat use and SWB, but there was a significant relationship between active WeChat use and SWB. Moreover, upward social comparison and self-esteem have a significant and negative serial mediating effect on the relationship between passive WeChat use and SWB. Additionally, the study found a significant and positive serial mediating effect of perceived social support and self-esteem on the relationship between active WeChat use and SWB. We hope the suggestions will contribute to a deeper understanding of parents' use of WeChat and SWB.

Suggested Citation

  • Peng Wang & Sharifah Sofiah Syed Zainudin & Nurul Ain Mohd Hasan & Shaohua Huo & Xiaoyan Wang, 2025. "Passive/Active WeChat Use and Subjective Well-being among Chinese Parents: A Serial Mediation Model," Studies in Media and Communication, Redfame publishing, vol. 13(2), pages 11-22, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:rfa:smcjnl:v:13:y:2025:i:2:p:11-22
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    JEL classification:

    • R00 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General - - - General
    • Z0 - Other Special Topics - - General

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