자아 개념 명확성과 자기 개방이 소셜 네트워크 사이트에 대한 애착과 삶의 만족에 미치는 영향: 싸이월드 미니홈피를 중심으로

This paper examines why people use social networking sites (SNSs) and what they gain fromthe online interactions. More specifically, we explore the effects of the self-concept clarity,regret proneness, and self-disclosing behaviors on attachment to SNSs and satisfaction with life. We used the survey method. At the first stage of the survey, participants completed thepersonality questionnaire composed of self-concept clarity, regret proneness, and extroversion. Two weeks later, they participated in another survey where they answered SNSs-relatedquestions. In this survey, we asked about the usage of their SNSs. A total of 309 studentsparticipated in this study. The results reveal that individual's self-concept clarity and regretproneness are negatively associated with attachment to SNSs. While the relationship betweenself-concept clarity and satisfaction with life is positive, the relationship between regretproneness and satisfaction with life is negative. In addition, self-disclosing behaviors throughSNSs increase both attachment to SNSs and satisfaction with life. Online interactions affordindividuals with low self-concept clarity to express themselves and enjoy social interactionseasier than face-to-face environment, thereby users might be attached to SNSs. The positiverelationships among extroversion, the size of visitors, self-disclosure show that SNSs play animportant role in socialization. Thus, policy makers and practitioners should provide users withthe safe space for the social interactions. From the personality and social psychology, we explainwhy people attached to SNSs and suggest the proper use of SNSs for increasing well-being.