The relationship between Facebook use, gender, emotional attachment, connection strategies, online vs real world relationships, self-esteem & loneliness
Authors
Burke, Valerie
Issue Date
2013
Degree
BA (Hons) in Psychology
Publisher
Dublin Business School
Rights holder
Rights
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Abstract
The aim of this study is to determine if gender, emotional attachment, connection strategies, self-esteem and loneliness are significant in regards to Facebook use. The aim is also to determine if there is a difference between online Facebook relationships and face-to-face relationships. There were 98 participants in this study aged 18 onwards. Participants undertook measures of Facebook intensity, self-esteem and loneliness. Results showed in regards to connection strategies, browsing was most likely, as opposed to meeting face-to-face or contacting or adding them online. Results showed no significant gender difference in Facebook use. Both high time per day on Facebook and large Facebook intensity levels moderately lowered loneliness levels. Self-esteem slightly increased with more time on Facebook per day. No significance was found between Facebook intensity and self-esteem. Higher rates of self-esteem correlated with lower loneliness levels. Results also inclined that as you get older your Facebook intensity lessens.