This study is one of the first to explore the mechanisms through
which SNSs influence users’ friendships and well-being, after controlling
gender and social anxiety. Different types of SNSs use and
the possible mediating role of online self-disclosure were examined.
Three of our five hypotheses were supported. We found that
the effects of SNSs on users’ friendships and well-being depended
on the type of SNS use – communication or entertainment, and
the personal characteristics of the users, namely, social anxiety.
There is also suggestive evidence that the mechanism by which
SNS use influences users’ friendship and well-being may vary
between collectivist and individualistic cultures. Despite these
strengths, the results of this study should be viewed in light of
its limitations. First, the sample is a homogeneous group of students
from two colleges in China. Whether the results generalize
to all Chinese citizens of subgroups of them is a question for future
research. Second, a cross-section design was used, preventing any
statements about causal relationships. Future research should
address these limitations by using experimental and longitudinal
designs that can establish cause-effect relationships. It should also
include qualitative as well as quantitative data. Content analyses of
qualitative data may reveal dimensions of SNS use that have yet to
be considered in the research. Future research should overcome
the limitations of self-report data by obtaining logs of SNS use. Logs
would include measures of time spent/day on SNSs. As with many
new technologies, there is always the danger of overuse or addiction
(Andreou & Svoli, 2012). The benefits of SNS use may be
asymptotic – too much use may lead to detrimental rather than
beneficial outcomes. Finally, personal characteristics of the user
must be included in the design of future research since optimal