Psychological Well-being Among Social Network Users of King Saud University Students

Abstract

Introduction

Social networks allow individuals to express themselves, and establish or maintain connections with others. Using social networks like Facebook may be associated with a sense of self-worth and may play an important role in psychological development of university students who are in emerging adulthood phase.

Objective

1. (1) Assess the psychological well-being of Saudi university students using social networks (Facebook).

2. (2) Explore whether the relationship between Facebook use and bridging social capital is different for individuals with varying degrees of self-esteem and satisfaction with life.

Aim

To study the psychological well-being of Saudi university students using social networks (Facebook).

Method

An electronic survey was published in the community site for all students of King Saud University. in addition to the demographic information, the survey evaluates Facebook use intensity, bridging social capital and psychological well-being: self-esteem and satisfaction with life.

Results

A total of 1005 students completed the survey, of which 50.5% were female. Majority of them were members in Facebook (92.1%).

Conclusions

Results showed no significant correlation between the use of Facebook and psychological well-being. It could be due to the fundamental difference between Arabs and other cultures or due to the use of other social networks. There was a positive relationship between bridging social capital and psychological well-being with being in preparatory year, which is most likely because advanced years has more workload preventing students from participating in King Saud University community. A longitudinal study over a series of years and addressing other popular social networks would be the next step.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.