What Happens on Facebook Stays on Facebook! The Implications of Facebook Interaction for Perceived, Receiving, and Giving Social Support

• In Event: Social Support via Social Media #2

Abstract

Compared to the large number of studies on social networking sites (SNSs) and social capital,
relatively few have focused on the social implications of SNSs for social support, which is of
great significance to college students. This study fills this gap by examining how Facebook
interaction is related to various types of social support—enacted social support on Facebook
(both receiving and giving social support on Facebook) and perceived social support in general.
A survey of college students at a large public university (N = 566) reveals that Facebook
interaction is positively related to receiving and giving social support on Facebook. However,
neither social interaction nor enacted social support on Facebook is related to perceived social
support in general.

Authors

• Xiaoqian Li, University of Texas - Austin

• Wenhong Chen, U of Texas - Austin

• Pawel Popiel, U of Texas - Austin