Sharing “Moments” on Snapchat for Affective Well-Being

• In Event: Mobile Compared to Immobile Communication

Abstract

Little research has studied Snapchat, a relatively new mobile social media application that enables users to share image-based content that expires after a few seconds. In the current study, we draw on qualitative and quantitative data collected from a random sample of college students (N=154) who participated in a two-week experience sampling method (ESM) study that produced 11,215 surveys. A subset (N=28) of these participants were also interviewed. Study 1 findings showed that Snapchat interactions were perceived as significantly more socially enjoyable than other channels (e.g., calling, texting, emailing, Facebook). However, Snapchat interactions were viewed as less socially supportive than other technology-mediated and face-to-face interactions. Study 2 findings suggest that the distinctive social and emotional experiences of Snapchat stem from sharing mundane experiences, humorous moments, and unfiltered self-presentational content with close ties in ways that served to maintain social connections throughout the day.

Authors

• Joseph Bayer, U of Michigan

• Nicole Ellison, School of Information

• Sarita Yardi Schoenebeck, U of Michigan

• Emily Falk, University of Pennsylvania