Elsevier

Computers in Human Behavior

Volume 45, April 2015, Pages 168-176
Computers in Human Behavior

The dark side of social networking sites: An exploration of the relational and psychological stressors associated with Facebook use and affordances

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2014.11.083Get rights and content

Highlights

  • In focus groups, adult users revealed stressful experiences related to Facebook.

  • Facebook’s affordances, such as connectivity and visibility, created stressors.

  • Despite stressors, users felt social pressure to stay on and access the site often.

  • Social comparison and conflict over Facebook were frequently cited stressors.

  • Many first denied its impact, but all related significant ordeals due to Facebook.

Abstract

Research on social media typically focuses on its benefits; considerably less is known about the dark side of social networking sites. Focus groups of adult Facebook users (N = 44) uncovered narratives surrounding individuals’ negative psychological and relational experiences tied to the social networking site and its affordances (e.g., connectivity, visibility, accessibility, persistence, and social feedback). Thematic analysis rendered five themes regarding Facebook stressors: managing inappropriate or annoying content, being tethered, lack of privacy and control, social comparison and jealousy, and relationship tension and conflict. Results demonstrate that although Facebook users often experience negative emotions, they feel pressured to access the site frequently due to the fear of missing out and to keep up with relationship maintenance demands. Some participants reported privacy violations due to Facebook’s visibility, connectivity, and persistence. These features also afforded constant social comparison to other network members, which triggered jealousy, anxiety, and other negative emotions. Relational turbulence occurred due to the public nature of conflict on Facebook. Many participants’ responses revealed overarching contradictions: initially they claimed Facebook was inconsequential, yet later recounted significant stressful or hurtful events associated with Facebook. Our findings indicate some methods may not uncover the actual nature or scope of users’ experiences.

Introduction

Social networking websites (SNSs) have become an integral medium for communicating within and about interpersonal relationships. Facebook is the most dominant SNS in the U.S. and over one billion people worldwide possess an active Facebook account (Facebook, 2014). Over two-thirds of U.S. Facebook users visit the site at least once per day and are connected to an average of 338 friends (Pew Research Center, 2014).

One reason Facebook is the most popular social networking site is the scope of affordances it provides for users. The ability to connect with one’s offline network online—as well as make new connections online—allows users to communicate easily with network members. Through the posting and sharing functions, social information is easily distributed and stored among members; users can also provide feedback to this information in the form of comments and “likes.” Facebook also offers the convenience of network-wide, group, and private communication channels through one interface. Further, Facebook has a mobile application, ensuring that users can access the site easily from their devices. Collectively, these affordances explain why Facebook has grown and maintained a devoted user base globally.

Although considerable research has focused on the benefits of using SNSs such as increased social capital, social support, and relationship maintenance (e.g., Ellison et al., 2007, McEwan, 2013, Nabi et al., 2013), fewer studies have examined the nature of negative outcomes for adult users. Given that users expect positive outcomes and often visit SNSs for relaxation, entertainment, or social connection (Ku et al., 2013, Park et al., 2009), users may not anticipate negative experiences or interactions, making them more potent or hurtful.

At this time, some survey-based research has identified links between Facebook use and diminished well-being (e.g., Chen and Lee, 2013, Chou and Edge, 2012, Kross et al., 2013), as well as negative experiences based on unfriending and romantic relationship dissolution (Bevan, Ang et al., 2014, Fox et al., 2013, Marshall, 2012, Tokunaga, 2014). Further, a recent content analysis showed a prevalence of negative content posted to Facebook (Shelton & Skalski, 2014). What is lacking is a deeper investigation into how and why users have negative experiences on Facebook, particularly given users’ tendency to proclaim, “it’s just Facebook,” and thus does not affect them substantially (Fox, Warber, & Makstaller, 2013). As Mao (2014) noted, qualitative methods are necessary to elaborate on quantitative studies about technology and gain more insight into the breadth and depth of users’ changing experiences. It is important to determine the scope of these experiences so users and scholars are aware of both the benefits and drawbacks to participating in SNSs and can learn to manage or guide the management of negative Facebook experiences in a psychologically and relationally healthy manner. To this end, we designed an exploratory study to investigate the rich narratives surrounding users’ negative emotional experiences with Facebook, rooting our study in the context of dark side interpersonal communication.

Section snippets

The light side of Facebook

Several benefits have been ascribed to SNS use. Relationships on Facebook bring social capital, the benefits users receive from their associations with other people (Ellison et al., 2007, Valenzuela et al., 2008). Facebook affords the ability to strengthen weak ties, maintain existing relationships, and define otherwise ambiguous relationships (McEwan, 2013, Valenzuela et al., 2008). Facebook’s connectivity enables users to promote group identity and in-group relationships, particularly for

Method

We employed focus groups to uncover themes in the current study concerning emotional responses and stressors related to Facebook use. We conducted focus group analysis for two primary reasons. First, few studies exist that explicate the nature of stressors associated with Facebook. Thus, a method allowing for sufficient freedom and depth of probing was needed. Second, social networks are inherently social contexts designed for interaction, and focus groups more closely reflect this dynamic

Results

Following the coding process, five themes concerning the dark side of Facebook emerged: managing inappropriate or annoying content, being tethered to Facebook, perceived lack of privacy and control, social comparison and jealousy, and relationship tension. The role of Facebook’s affordances manifested in the discussion of each of these themes.

Discussion and conclusion

In this study, we sought to explore the breadth and depth of participants’ negative emotional experiences with a social networking site. This study revealed that SNS use can trigger many minor and major negative emotional experiences, many of which are afforded by Facebook’s design. Although Facebook’s affordances offer benefits for sharing social information, they also present downsides. Participants in this study noted visibility can work against users, as they see things they do not want to

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