The Impact of Online Experiences across Social Networking Platforms

Ford, Sara J. (2020) The Impact of Online Experiences across Social Networking Platforms. Memorial University of Newfoundland. (Unpublished)

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Abstract

Exclusion, one of the most frequent forms of relational victimization, is associated with negative psychological outcomes among adults. However, little is known about the emotional impact of online exclusion, particularly across social networking platforms. The current study used an experimental paradigm to examine 1) the impact of online exclusion (not being acknowledged in a group chat, not being included in a picture, and not being invited) across Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter on adults’ emotions; and 2) the moderating effect of Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) on the association between social networking platform use and well-being. Participants included 270 adults aged 18 to 72 (M =31.73, SD = 13.95; 84.9% females) who completed an online survey. The majority of participants reported having a social networking account and indicated greater use with Facebook in comparison to Snapchat or Instagram. Findings from 2-way independent measures analysis of variances (ANOVAs) indicated that participants felt more annoyed and surprised when excluded via a group chat than a picture and more betrayed when excluded via no invite than a group chat. Findings from a hierarchical regression model revealed that FOMO moderated the relationship between Snapchat use and well-being. Specifically, low Snapchat use was associated with higher well-being when levels of FOMO were low. The results of this study may help adults to recognize how online experiences such as exclusion can impact their own and others’ emotions, and how the use of and connection with social networking platforms contributes to well-being.

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