Does Facebook magnify or mitigate threats to belonging?

Knowles, Megan L.; Haycock, Nathaniel; Shaikh, Iqra

doi:10.1027/1864-9335/a000246

Cited by 61Death Anxiety and Social ExclusionImpact of Technology on AdolescentsBullying, Victimization, and Aggression

Does Facebook magnify or mitigate threats to belonging?

Knowles, Megan L., Haycock, Nathaniel, Shaikh, Iqra·2015·Social Psychology

DOI 10.1027/1864-9335/a000246

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Abstract

Abstract. Previous research has yielded mixed findings regarding the interpersonal causes and consequences of Facebook use. The current research examines the role of belonging needs in motivating Facebook use and the protective value of Facebook following exclusion. In four studies we: manipulated exclusion and observed participants’ behavioral preferences (Study 1); measured participants’ belonging needs and their Facebook use (Study 2); and manipulated exclusion, exposed participants to either their Facebook photos/pages or control photos/pages, and measured need satisfaction and aggression (Studies 3–4). We found that exclusion motivated computer-mediated communication, and belonging needs predicted Facebook use. Also, exposure to Facebook protected excluded individuals’ social needs and mitigated aggressive behavior. Altogether, these studies suggest that Facebook is a powerful tool that allows individuals to reaffirm their social bonds.

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Authors: Knowles, M. L., Haycock, N., & Shaikh, I.
Affiliations: Franklin & Marshall College (US)
ORCID: Knowles, Megan L.
Haycock, Nathaniel
Venue: Social Psychology
Publisher: Hogrefe Publishing Group
Published: 2015-11
Volume: 46
Issue: 6
Pages: 313-324
ISSN: 1864-9335 (ISSN-L)
2151-2590
DOI: 10.1027/1864-9335/a000246
OpenAlex: W2151727079
Cited by: 61
References: 55
Citations by year: 2026: 1 · 2025: 4 · 2024: 6 · 2023: 2 · 2022: 10 · 2021: 6 · 2020: 15 · 2019: 3 · 2018: 4 · 2017: 5 · 2016: 5
FWCI: 7.66
Type: journal article
Language: en
Open access: closed
Locations: Social Psychology (publishedVersion)
Topics: Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Death Anxiety and Social Exclusion
Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Impact of Technology on Adolescents
Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Bullying, Victimization, and Aggression
Keywords: Facebook, sense of belonging, social exclusion, need to belong, Facebook use, aggression, computer-mediated communication, social media, need satisfaction, social bonds

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Does Facebook magnify or mitigate threats to belonging?

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