Social zapping has gained popularity as a term that refers to canceling plans or appointments at the last minute to attend other,supposedly more appealing events.This behavior resembles rapidly switching channels on a...Social zapping has gained popularity as a term that refers to canceling plans or appointments at the last minute to attend other,supposedly more appealing events.This behavior resembles rapidly switching channels on a television,as individuals frequently jump between different social engagements.The present study examined potential behavioral trait predictors of social zapping,such as belongingness,self-esteem,sense of control,and meaningful existence among community residents ranging from 40 to 75 years of age(n=48).The study utilized simple linear regressions to identify potential predictors of social zapping,exploring how the four fundamental needs(belongingness,self-esteem,sense of control,and meaningful existence)might be linked.Results indicated that belongingness and self-esteem are significant predictors of social zapping tendencies.Additionally,an independent samples t-test was conducted to determine the relationship both older and younger adults have with the four fundamental needs as well as the role age plays in social zapping tendencies.Older adults exhibited a significant and more positive association with self-esteem,sense of control,and meaningful existence compared to individuals aged 39 and younger.Social zapping frequency was nonsignificant for both older adults and younger adults.Furthermore,a separate set of linear regression analyses were completed to determine how social desirability affects social zapping across age groups.Social desirability significantly predicted both self-esteem and meaningful existence.Overall,the present study builds on what is currently a new phenomenon in research and will provide new information on the relationship between age,social zapping,and behavioral traits.展开更多
文摘Social zapping has gained popularity as a term that refers to canceling plans or appointments at the last minute to attend other,supposedly more appealing events.This behavior resembles rapidly switching channels on a television,as individuals frequently jump between different social engagements.The present study examined potential behavioral trait predictors of social zapping,such as belongingness,self-esteem,sense of control,and meaningful existence among community residents ranging from 40 to 75 years of age(n=48).The study utilized simple linear regressions to identify potential predictors of social zapping,exploring how the four fundamental needs(belongingness,self-esteem,sense of control,and meaningful existence)might be linked.Results indicated that belongingness and self-esteem are significant predictors of social zapping tendencies.Additionally,an independent samples t-test was conducted to determine the relationship both older and younger adults have with the four fundamental needs as well as the role age plays in social zapping tendencies.Older adults exhibited a significant and more positive association with self-esteem,sense of control,and meaningful existence compared to individuals aged 39 and younger.Social zapping frequency was nonsignificant for both older adults and younger adults.Furthermore,a separate set of linear regression analyses were completed to determine how social desirability affects social zapping across age groups.Social desirability significantly predicted both self-esteem and meaningful existence.Overall,the present study builds on what is currently a new phenomenon in research and will provide new information on the relationship between age,social zapping,and behavioral traits.