The Shackles of Freedom: Paradoxical Consequences of Personal Social Media Use for Work

• In Event: B.E.S.T.: Networks and Social Media

Abstract

New technology is a paradox: it is both liberating and constraining at the same time. This field study examines the implications of social media use for work for employees’ autonomy, work pressure, and exhaustion and engagement. 364 employees of three large multinationals responded to a web-based survey. Results demonstrate the presence of a paradox, as social media for work facilitates autonomy as well as work pressure, both of which in turn relate to well being (exhaustion and engagement). This study adds to our understanding of technological paradoxes by examining the conditionality of these opposing effects. Overall, employees seem more likely to be burdened by the use of social media for work than benefit from it. However, responsiveness moderates the positive effects of social media use for work, though does not moderate the negative effects.

Author

• ward van zoonen, U of Amsterdam