The Facebook influence model: a concept mapping approach.

Area of Science:

• Social Psychology
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Social media platforms like Facebook are hypothesized to influence user attitudes, intentions, and behaviors.
• Understanding the mechanisms of this influence is crucial for behavioral research and intervention development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a conceptual framework explaining the influential aspects of Facebook.
• To visually represent the key constructs contributing to Facebook's influence on users.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods approach utilizing concept mapping methodology.
• Involved 80 college students (mean age 20.5, 36% male) using purposeful sampling.
• Generated 169 statements, sorted into 6-22 groups, resulting in a 13-cluster concept map organized into four domains: connection, comparison, identification, and Facebook as an experience.

Main Results:

• The developed Facebook Influence Concept Map visually illustrates key constructs influencing users.
• Identified four primary domains of influence: connection, comparison, identification, and the experience of using Facebook.
• Incorporated the perspectives of older adolescent Facebook users.

Conclusions:

• The concept map provides a visual representation of constructs contributing to Facebook's influence.
• Facebook's influence can be understood within the context of existing behavioral theories.
• The framework may aid in developing future intervention strategies related to social media use.