Social Support as a Mediator and Need for Affiliation as a Moderator of the Association between Social Networks Use and Self‑Esteem
Social Support as a Mediator and Need for Affiliation as a Moderator of the Association between Social Networks Use and Self‑Esteem

Summary/Abstract: The aim of the present study was to contribute to a better understanding of the previous inconsistent findings regarding the effects of social network use on individuals’ self‑esteem. Therefore, we investigated the direction of the association between Facebook use and self‑esteem, the potential mediation effect of perceived social support, as well as the potential moderation effect of need for affiliation. A sample of 122 university students (Mage = 20.71, 59% women) from the Republic of Moldova filled in self‑assessment scales measuring intensity of Facebook use, self‑esteem, perceived social support and need for affiliation. Results showed positive associations between Facebook use and need for affiliation. Self‑esteem was positively associated with social support, while negatively associated with need for affiliation. Neither a significant mediation effect, nor a significant moderation effect was found. Results are discussed in terms of conceptual contribution to the field, as well as theoretical and methodological suggestions for future research.

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