Understanding User Behavior of Social Networking Service from the Persepective of Uses and Gratifications: A Content Analysis of 54 Empirical Studies

Gan Chunmei; Liang Xubin; Li Tingting

doi:10.13266/j.issn.0252-3116.2018.07.016

2018 , Vol. 62 >Issue 7: 134 - 143

DOI: https://doi.org/10.13266/j.issn.0252-3116.2018.07.016

Understanding User Behavior of Social Networking Service from the Persepective of Uses and Gratifications: A Content Analysis of 54 Empirical Studies

Gan Chunmei ,
Liang Xubin ,
Li Tingting

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1. School of Information Management, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006;
2. Faculty of Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Hongkong 999077

Received date: 2017-09-25

Revised date: 2017-11-24

Online published: 2018-04-05

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Abstract

[Purpose/significance] Employing the uses and gratifications framework and using a mixed method, this study conducted a systematic review on user behavior of social networking service (SNS), aiming to provide a reference for related research in China. [Method/process] Following two-stage review methods by Webster and Watson, this study got 54 empirical studies. Furthermore, this study analyzed these articles and mainly focused on research topics, theoretical background, dependent and independent variables as well as the findings. [Result/conclusion] Results show that, researchers integrate multiple theories to develop research models to reveal SNS user behavior; in addition, factors related to cognitive needs, personal integrative needs and social integrative needs are the most explored to explain various SNS user behavior; moreover, factors related to affective needs and tension-release needs has attracted increasingly attention. Future studies could focus on the following research areas:the effects of different gratifications on SNS user behavior, SNS user behavior of different user types, and user behavior of SNS addiction.

Key words： social networking service; motivation; uses and gratifications; user behavior; content analysis

Cite this article

Gan Chunmei , Liang Xubin , Li Tingting . Understanding User Behavior of Social Networking Service from the Persepective of Uses and Gratifications: A Content Analysis of 54 Empirical Studies[J]. Library and Information Service, 2018 , 62(7) : 134 -143 . DOI: 10.13266/j.issn.0252-3116.2018.07.016

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