Satisfaction from romantic relationship and social media usage

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the influence of satisfaction from romantic relationships on social media usage, with computer-mediated communication (CMC) motives and self-disclosure dimensions acting as mediators of the relationship. Design/methodology/approach The data were collected from 420 individuals active on social media. Data were analysed with confirmatory factor analysis, Pearson correlation, hierarchical multiple regression and mediation analysis based on Baron and Kenny’s (1986) conditions. Findings The result from a cross-sectional survey of 420 individuals reveals how relationship satisfaction leads to the use of six social media channels directly and indirectly through five dimensions of CMC motives and four dimensions of self-disclosure. Out of 54 possible mediations, 17 were found to be significant. Originality/value The present study fulfils the need to identify how satisfaction in a romantic relationship impacts self-disclosure and social media selection and usage.