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Abstract

Previous research has identified the importance of social connectedness in facilitating a number of positive
outcomes, however, investigation of connectedness in online contexts is relatively novel. This
research aimed to investigate for the first time social connectedness derived from the use of Facebook.
Study 1 investigated whether offline social connectedness and Facebook connectedness were separate
constructs. Participants were Facebook users (N = 344) who completed measures of offline social connectedness
and Facebook social connectedness. Factor analysis (Maximum Likelihood analysis with Oblimin
rotation) revealed Facebook connectedness to be distinct from offline social connectedness. Study 2
examined the relationship between Facebook social connectedness and anxiety, depression, and subjective
well-being in a second sample of Facebook users (N = 274) in a cross-sectional design. Results suggest
that Facebook use may provide the opportunity to develop and maintain social connectedness in the
online environment, and that Facebook connectedness is associated with lower depression and anxiety
and greater satisfaction with life. Limitations and future directions are considered. It is concluded that
Facebook may act as a separate social medium in which to develop and maintain relationships, providing
an alternative social outlet associated with a range of positive psychological outcomes.

Item Type:	Article
Authors/Creators:	Grieve, R and Indian, M and Witteveen, K and Tolan, GA and Marrington, J
Journal or Publication Title:	Computers in Human Behavior
DOI / ID Number:	10/1015/j.chb.2012.11.017
Additional Information:	Copyright 2013 Elsevier
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