Social Networking Site Usage and Adolescent Well being

Abstract

As children approach adolescence, the influence of peer group, group affiliation, social connection and external environmental contexts is susceptible on adolescent’s behavior; and thus psychological development becomes more or equally important to that of physical or social development of adolescents. In recent years adolescents are more engaging with SNSs and become one of the biggest factors behind its increasing popularity worldwide. This review is a sincere attempt towards addressing this issue that how the use of SNSs has affected the well being of adolescents and is there any cultural difference in well being of adolescents? In this review, well-being is effectively studied through its conceptually driven approach. Reviewed literature extensively investigated the role of cross-cultural differences on use of SNSs. It also points to mixed evidence investigated on subjective and psychological well-being of adolescents showing both positive and negative effects of SNSs. The results suggest that culture differences may have a difference in accessing SNSs and accordingly contribute to well-being of adolescents. The review concludes with a consideration of future directions for academicians and researchers.