Effects of Psychological Discomfort on Social Networking Site (SNS) Usage Intensity During COVID-19

Abstract

To cope with the COVID-19 pandemic, many countries are implementing social measures. Social distancing, working from home, and non-face-to-face lectures have led to major changes in people's activities. Since face-to-face classes are restricted, students in higher education become to feel psychological and cognitive discomforts such as isolation and risk perception. The purpose of this study is to explore the effects of psychological discomforts on the social network site (SNS) usage intensity of University students. Using structural equation modeling (SEM), this study applied SmartPLS 3.3.9 to analyze 271 valid samples. The results show that the affective risk perception significantly affects social distancing attitude. Cognitive risk perception is positively related to social distancing intention. In addition, cabin fever syndrome influences SNS usage intensity, affective risk perception, and cognitive risk perception. In conclusion, psychological discomfort partially affects the intensity of SNS use. Therefore, the government should set policies by reflecting citizens' mental difficulties and SNS activities together. Moreover, companies are needed to carefully consider the risk of the sense of isolation when marketing to SNS users.

Social isolation in COVID-19: a comparative study between Korea and Vietnam

“…Our research contributes to the understanding of preventive behavior in the context of a pandemic, particularly in terms of how risk perception influences attitudes and behaviors related to social distancing among university students. While prior research, such as Brug et al [ 14 ], Savadori and Lauriola [ 53 ], Jo [ 40 ], and Jo [ 39 ], has explored the role of risk perception in shaping behaviors, our study delves deeper into the distinctions between affective and cognitive risk perceptions. This nuanced approach enhances our comprehension of how these different aspects of risk perception can independently contribute to attitudes toward social distancing.…”

Impacts of social isolation and risk perception on social networking intensity among university students during covid-19

“…Cabin fever refers to negative emotions such as discomfort and irritability experienced when an individual is kept alone in a quarantine location for an extended period [52][53][54]. This includes bad emotions and mental disorders such as helplessness, depression, and irritability caused by social restrictions [10].…”

“…It was reported that cabin fever syndrome influences social distancing intention indirectly [54]. Moreover, cabin fever syndrome amplifies the SNS usage intensity [54]. Since social measures directly affect a sense of closure [61,62], cabin fever syndrome would affect the responses of others and students to social measures.…”

“…In keeping with the results derived from a prior study [8], the findings revealed that affective risk perception and cognitive risk perception are the major deciding factors of perceived behavioral control. [54] reported that affective risk perception influences social distancing attitude and cognitive risk perception influences social distancing intention. As well, [51] argued that risk perception impacts attitude towards e-learning via social distancing attitude and social distancing intention.…”

Predictors of social networking service addiction

“…Ironically, this addiction can overshadow the genuine connections that SNSs aim to cultivate. Numerous studies have explored the variables driving SNS user behavior 13,14 , attributing psychological elements, social influencers, and predisposition to SNS addiction [15][16][17] . However, there remains a gap in comprehensively understanding social and psychological influences on addiction.…”