Social network fatigue: revisiting the antecedents and consequences

Abstract

Purpose

The study explores the antecedents and consequences of social network fatigue (SNF) using the stress–strain–outcome (S-S-O) model. It builds on the work of previous scholars in the area of SNS by focussing on the intervening processes that explain the study's focal constructs.

Design/methodology/approach

To test the proposed framework, the study draws cross-sectional data from Indian Facebook users. Data were collected using an online survey, and the final sample of 309 valid and complete responses was analysed using SmartPLS to test the study's hypotheses.

Findings

The findings of the study report fear of missing out (FoMO) to be positively related to compulsive use (CU) of Facebook. CU had positive and significant direct and indirect effects (via information and social overload) on SNF. SNF was significantly associated with both depression (DEP) and discontinuous use intention (DUI). However, Facebook use intensity (FBI)'s moderating role on the relationship between FoMO and CU was insignificant.

Originality/value

First, the current study proposes and empirically tests a comprehensive model on the lines of the S-S-O model to understand the antecedents and consequences of SNF. Second, the study uses an Indian sample that is not age-specific (adolescents or young adults), unlike most past studies. Third, it examines various intervening stages and processes (through mediation and moderation) suggested by previous scholars but not yet explored.

Citation

Pradhan, S. (2022), "Social network fatigue: revisiting the antecedents and consequences", Online Information Review, Vol. 46 No. 6, pp. 1115-1131. https://doi.org/10.1108/OIR-10-2020-0474