Examining the impacts of social media on the psychological well-being in a patriarchal culture: A study of women in Pakistan
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
3-1-2024
Abstract
PurposeThe unstoppable and exponential growth of social media use has given rise to concerns about the consequent effects on users. Among the major concerns are the psychological consequences, which have received considerable academic attention. The current mixed-methods research aims to examine women's social media use and its effects on their psychological well-being in a patriarchal culture, namely Pakistan.Design/methodology/approachThis study employs a mixed-method research methodology. The quantitative section collected data from 240 women and used structural equation modelling to test the proposed hypotheses. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the in-depth interviews with ten women.FindingsThe integration of the findings revealed increased use of social media by women and its beneficial effects (communication and socialisation, escapism and self-presentation), though qualitative findings revealed the cultural implications and obstacles that women face (online anonymity and digital asylum). The study calls attention to women's social media usage patterns and the resulting effects on women's psychological well-being in a low-income country with a patriarchal social structure.Originality/valueMost research remains limited to Western societies and young populations. The situation is somewhat different in developing economies with traditionally preserved cultures compared to Western societies. This study uniquely examines the influence of social media on psychological well-being in a developing country with a special cultural context.
Keywords
Hedonic and eudaemonic, Non-western societies, Pakistan, Psychological well-being, Social media, Women
Divisions
MediaStudies
Publication Title
Online Information Review
Volume
48
Issue
2
Publisher
Emerald Group Publishing Ltd
Publisher Location
Floor 5, Northspring 21-23 Wellington Street, Leeds, W YORKSHIRE, ENGLAND