Understanding the Phenomenon of Social Networking Dependence: Habit and Information Overload Effects in the Case of Facebook

Abstract

Social Networking Sites (SNS) have grown exponentially. They may nevertheless induce
negative effects on the individuals and the organizations that are now capturing the interest
of an emerging body of research. The aim of this article is to provide an understanding
of one of these effects: the dependence phenomenon on these platforms. An extensive literature
review in management information systems and psycho-sociology is mobilized and
helped developing an original explanatory model which stipulates that perceived usefulness,
along with perceived behavioral control may contribute to install usage habits and
information overload. These, jointly and under the effect of social influence may in turn
induce perceived dependence on SNS. The model is tested using the PLS method applied to
structural equation modeling on data collected via an online survey within a population
of 248 Facebook users. Findings confirm the central role played by habit and information
overload in this mechanism, with regard to the type of usage adopted (professional/private)
and to the gender effect which has appeared to be significant. The managerial and
theoretical implications of the study, the limitations and also the new research areas to
which it can open the path are then discussed.