Abstract
Links between the underlying motives for using online social networks and resulting user behaviours remain under-researched. Friending is one such behaviour. The friending process joins user profiles together into a network web, creating links through which users can navigate the network by moving between profiles. The articulation and public display of friendship differentiates social networking sites from other social media sites. Understanding what drives users to grow their networks will provide a framework for the development of retention strategies. Using Self-Determination Theory (Deci and Ryan, 1985), this paper investigates the role of online social networks in supporting friending behaviour, and suggests site usage satisfies basic psychological needs.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | ANZMAC 2010 |
Subtitle of host publication | proceedings : doing more with less |
Editors | Paul Ballantine, Jörg Finsterwalder |
Place of Publication | Christchurch, New Zealand |
Publisher | University of Canterbury |
Number of pages | 9 |
ISBN (Print) | 9780473178208 |
Publication status | Published - 2010 |
Event | Australian and New Zealand Marketing Academy Conference (2010) - Christchurch, New Zealand Duration: 29 Nov 2010 → 1 Dec 2010 |
Conference
Conference | Australian and New Zealand Marketing Academy Conference (2010) |
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City | Christchurch, New Zealand |
Period | 29/11/10 → 1/12/10 |
Keywords
- online social networks
- self-determination theory
- motivation