Online Prosocial Behaviors: A Scoping Review of Definitions, Actions, and Motivators

People are fundamentally social creatures, seeking connectedness driven by a need to belong. Belonging is a subjective feeling that helps us recognize our connection to people, social groups, culture, places, and experiences. In turn, belongingness can support mental well-being through positive interpersonal interactions and encouragement in both face-to-face and online environments. Advancements in technologies and social media platforms have created spaces for people to connect virtually; however, little is known about users' online prosocial behaviors. Hence, this scoping review aimed to identify (a) how online prosocial behavior is defined; (b) explore the types of online prosocial behavior people are engaging in; and (c) explore what motivates people to engage in online prosocial behavior. Utilizing the Joanna Briggs Institute's nine-step framework methodology, a review of the Scopus and PubMed databases was undertaken. From 755 retrieved articles, 43 were included. Various online prosocial behavioral definitions were identified, related to an individual's attitudes, values, and beliefs, underpinned by the motives driving behavioral intent and action. Two categories of online prosocial behavior were identified: (1) intrinsic with two subcategories: (1.1) altruism and (1.2) reciprocity; and (2) extrinsic with one subcategory of (2.1) social connectedness. Two categories of motivators of online prosocial behavior were identified: (1) intrinsic with subcategories of (1.1) altruism, (1.2) empathy, (1.3) self-efficacy, (1.4) reciprocity, and (1.5) safety and trust; and (2) extrinsic with subcategories of (2.1) ease of use/practicality, (2.2) reputation, (2.3) personal gain, and (2.4) social connectedness.