Development and Psychometric Assessment of the Social Media Motives Scale among University Students

Abstract

Social media (SM) use is a rapidly growing phenomenon among Millennials. Thus, a growing body of studies have explored the beneficial applications and negative consequences of their use in an increasingly virtual world. The current study aimed to develop and validate a scale that measures university students' motives for using SM from a psychological and social perspective. In Study 1 (N = 316), the psychometric properties of SM motives were examined. The estimated factorial structure was validated in Study 2 (N = 200). The Study 1 results showed two active personal motives scales (i.e., self-actualization and purposive motives), one passive motive scale (i.e., enjoyment), one active contextual motive scale (i.e., self-enhancement), and a contextual (neither active nor passive) motive scale (i.e., a factor of convenience). Study 2 findings confirmed this factorial structure. Construct validity was supported with significant differences between three types of users (i.e., productive, consuming, and disinterested) on their motives (151 words).

Motivations and Experiences in a Distance Learning-Based Degree Programme: A Case Study from a Community College

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Factors Influencing Social Media Platform Engagement among Thai Students: A Quantitative Study

“…On Instagram, motivations encompass passing time, social interaction, self-presentation, and entertainment. Likewise, Alhadabi & Karpinski's [10] study explores the creation and validation of a scale measuring university students' motives for using social media. Study 1 (N = 316) identified five motive scales: self-actualization, purposeful motives, enjoyment, self-enhancement, and convenience.…”

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