Social Media Penetration through Mobile Technologies and Life Satisfaction: Structure Equation Modelling and Necessary Condition Analysis

Abstract

The infiltration of social media using mobile technologies is evident among the global youth. Social media usage facilitates the users to maintain social capital and harnesses individual well-being. This study intends to investigate how the perceived strength and social media trust (SMT) of social media support (SMS) via mobile technologies. Utilizing social media, SMT, and SMS often can help you tap into your online network's social capital. Life fulfilment is impacted by SMT, support, and preserved social capital. On data gathered cross-sectionally, partial least square structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) and the necessary condition analysis (NCA) were carried out. The uniqueness of this study stems from the fact that, as far as the author is aware, no studies have previously examined this association. The novel findings of the study are three-fold. Firstly, results revealed that routinization and SMT significantly influence SMS. Secondly, it is also exposed that SMS, trust, and maintained social capital inconsequentially affect life satisfaction. NCA postulated that SMT is the necessary condition for the formation of SMS. Finally, NCA analysis suggests that routine, SMT, and support are essential and significantly influence the maintained social capital. The NCA agrees that utilising social media through mobile apps and maintaining social capital are essential elements for achieving life satisfaction. The work provided both theoretical and practical consequences, while its shortcomings suggested areas for additional investigation.