Het Verband tussen het Gebruik van Social Networking Sites en het Welzijn van Adolescenten

Abstract

Background: An increasing number of adolescents has access to Social Networking Sites (SNS). Adolescents are a vulnerable group of SNS-users, since they are sensitive to peer acceptance and feedback they receive on SNS. This in turn is related to their well-being. However, the effects of SNS on the well-being of adolescents are contradictory and therefore still unclear. Aim: To inform caregivers and teachers about the possible consequences of SNS, more research into the effects of SNS is needed. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the relationship between SNS and two facets of adolescents’ well-being: self-esteem and social support. Method: An online survey was conducted amongst 143 respondents (10-19-year-olds) with a Facebook and/or YouTube profile. Results: Facebook use was predominantly positively correlated with self-esteem and social support. Particularly feedback and level of activity seem to contribute to self-esteem and social support. Furthermore, it appears that boys have significantly more self-esteem than girls, whereas girls experience significantly more social support than boys. No results were found for YouTube due to a small sample size. Conclusion: The influence of SNS on the well-being of adolescents seems to differ by gender. Overall, SNS seem to have positive effects on their well-being. However, the strength of effects differs per facet of well-being. This means that the relationship between SNS and the well-being of adolescents is complex. More research into different SNS and different facets of well-being is needed. Limitations and implications are discussed.