Effects of SNS overload and dissatisfaction on job performance and discontinuous usage intention

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of social network sites (SNS) overload on individual job performance and discontinuous usage intention.Design/methodology/approachBased on the Stressor-Strain-Outcome (SSO) framework, a research model was proposed and tested empirically. The partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) method was applied to data collected online through a questionnaire.FindingsFindings highlighted that social overload is related positively to information overload and communication overload. Information overload affected only the perception of work overload, while communication overload was a significant stressor affecting work overload and dissatisfaction towards SNS. Although results revealed a positive relationship between these two strains, only dissatisfaction influenced job performance and discontinuous usage intention.Originality/valueAs much as SNS are a useful tool in the workplace, they can have significant drawbacks. Prior studies have investigated this dark side. However, they scantily explored the effects of SNS overload on both job performance and discontinuous usage intention. Moreover, the relationships between types of overload are understudied. This paper proposes an enrichment of the literature by validating a model of the relationships between information overload, communication overload and social overload, job performance and discontinuous usage intention. It extends prior research on SNS stressors and points out the communication overload as the main SNS stressor affecting strains in the workplace.