Motivations for Facebook use and psychological outcomes among undergraduates in North-Central, Nigeria

Abstract

Abstract The ubiquity of use of social networking sites, particularly, Facebook, among university students has sparked discussion of different dimensions. Social media platforms have continued to influence many aspects of human life and interaction including emotional, psychological and relationship. This study therefore investigates the motivations for Facebook use and its psychological consequences among university undergraduates. Specifically, the research sought to examine what spurs undergraduates to use Facebook which consequently influence their psychological well-being in terms of self-esteem, sense of belonging and satisfaction with campus life. Using the survey method, a total of 400 undergraduates from three universities in North-Central Nigeria, were sampled in this study. Findings from this study reveal that Facebook use has a direct relationship with Facebook intensity, self-esteem, and sense of belonging. However, findings did not predict a direct association of Facebook use and satisfaction with campus life. Also, Facebook intensity did not predict a direct relationship with self-esteem, sense of belonging, and satisfaction with campus life. Key Words: Facebook, Psychological Outcomes, Self-Esteem, Sense of Belonging, Campus Life About the Authors * Saudat Salah Abdulbaqi, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Mass Communication at the University of Ilorin, Nigeria and a Council Member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations. She specialises in Persuasive Communication, Public Relations, and Gender Communication. ** Aishat Abdulrauf-Salau, Ph.D., is a Lecturer in the Department of Development and Strategic Communication at the University of Abuja, Nigeria. Her research interests include social media, political communication, and development communication studies. *** Nathan Oguche Emmanuel, Ph.D., is a teaching staff member in the Department of Mass Communication, National Open University of Nigeria. His career encompasses journalism, media practice, strategic communication, and knowledge management and he specializes in journalism, media studies, and disruptive technologies. Top of Form **** Patrick Udende, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mass Communication, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria. His research interests include Political Communication, Social Media Studies, Public Relations, and Advertising. *****Abdulgaffar Olawale Arikewuyo, Ph.D., lectures at Birmingham City University International College, United Kingdom. His research focuses on Communication, Interpersonal Relations, Journalism, News Psychology, and Emerging Media. JCMR Journal of Communication and Media Research, Vol. 16, No. 1, April 2024, pp. 1-11 © Association of Media and Communication Researchers of Nigeria (AMCRON). Article Citation Abdulbaqi, S. S., Abdulrauf-Salau, A., Emmanuel, N. O., Udende, P., & Arikewuyo, A. O. (2024). Motivations for Facebook use and psychological outcomes among undergraduates in North-Central, Nigeria. Journal of Communication and Media Research, 16 (1): 1-11. Full Article Words: 6,089 Pages: 11 To access full article, click on download.