Assessing the social media landscape: Online relational use-purposes and life satisfaction among Finns

Authors

  • Teo Keipi University of Turku
  • Ilkka Koiranen University of Turku
  • Aki Koivula University of Turku
  • Pekka Räsänen University of Turku

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5210/fm.v23i1.8128

Keywords:

Internet, life satisfaction Finland, social media platforms

Abstract

This study examines the social Internet use-purposes of Finns along with links to perceived life satisfaction. Here, associations between life satisfaction and various online behaviors linked to socialization are explored among the Finnish adult population, sigh data coming from nationally representative surveys focused on adult populations in Finland (N=1,600). Analysis shows that social media use is linked to both higher and lower levels of overall life satisfaction with differences between platforms used. The use of Instagram and different social messaging applications, such as WhatsApp, was linked higher life satisfaction while Facebook and Twitter use did not show any significant association; notably, Internet forum use showed a negative association with life satisfaction.

Author Biographies

Teo Keipi, University of Turku

Senior researcher at Turku University's Department of Social Research.

Ilkka Koiranen, University of Turku

Doctoral candidate in the Department of Social Research at the University of Turku.

Aki Koivula, University of Turku

Doctoral candidate in the Department of Social Research at the University of Turku.

Pekka Räsänen, University of Turku

Professor in the Department of Social Research at the University of Turku.

Downloads

Published

2017-12-31

How to Cite

Keipi, T., Koiranen, I., Koivula, A., & Räsänen, P. (2017). Assessing the social media landscape: Online relational use-purposes and life satisfaction among Finns. First Monday, 23(1). https://doi.org/10.5210/fm.v23i1.8128