Social network usage nature fosters youth sense of identity and life satisfaction: A moderated mediation model analysis

Dr. LI Wang On, AlexAlexDr. LI Wang OnFung, Ching-ManChing-ManFungDr. CHOW Tak Sang, JasonJasonDr. CHOW Tak SangDr. LEUNG Kai Ip, DannyDannyDr. LEUNG Kai IpProf. CHEUNG Yuet-Wah2026-07-072026-07-072026Cyberpsychology: Journal of Psychosocial Research on Cyberspace, 2026, vol. 20(3), article no. 6.1802-7962http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11861/28051Open accessAdolescents’ use of social networking services or sites (SNSs) exhibits complex associations with users’ identity and life satisfaction. The present study examined how the social and entertainment functions of SNS influence adolescents’ life satisfaction through identity synthesis and identity confusion, potentially moderated by self-esteem. Cross-sectional data from 1,817 adolescents were analyzed using the Social Networking Activity Intensity Scale (SNAIS), the Erikson Psychosocial Stage Inventory (EPSI), the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), and the Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale (RSES). Mediation analyses revealed a dual pathway: both the social and entertainment functions of SNS facilitated the youths’ identity synthesis, indirectly enhancing their life satisfaction. However, moderated mediation analyses showed that their self-esteem influenced the effect of social function use on identity confusion, among adolescents with low self-esteem. Alternative models were tested and supported the view that self-esteem functions as a buffer against the adverse effects of SNS use on identity, rather than directly influencing SNS use intensity. The study advances a model integrating functional and motivational dimensions to explain the divergent psychosocial outcomes of SNS use, mediated by identity development, with detrimental effects concentrated among adolescents with low self-esteem. The findings suggest that tailored interventions promoting mindful social engagement may support identity synthesis and mitigate identity confusion among vulnerable individuals. Future research should employ multidimensional and longitudinal designs to disentangle the behavioral and motivational aspects of SNS use and clarify the temporal dynamics of identity development.enSocial Networking Services usageSNS UsageAdolescents' Life SatisfactionIdentity SynthesisIdentity ConfusionSelf-EsteemSocial network usage nature fosters youth sense of identity and life satisfaction: A moderated mediation model analysisPeer Reviewed Journal Article10.5817/CP2026-3-6