A Comparison of Objective and Subjective Measures of Social Media Usage to Predict Online Infidelity: Mediation by Technoference
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51872/prjah.vol8.Iss1.463Keywords:
Social Media, Infidelity, Technoference, Cyber Affairs, Digital Interruption, Online CheatingAbstract
The present study aimed to compare the self-reported and objective measures of social media usage in predicting online infidelity while mediating the role of technoference. Data was collected from Islamabad and Gujranwala with sample included 310 married individuals (Male, n = 116, and females (n = 194), age (M = 35 years). A cross sectional survey research design, using purposive sampling technique was employed, with validated instruments including Technology Device Interference Scale, Internet Infidelity Scale, self-version and Social Desirability scale. Additionally, social media usage was assessed using both self-reported measures (daily usage hours) and objective measure of weekly time (Monday to Sunday) spend on social media apps from their smartphone usage logs including the three most frequently used apps along with the objectively recorded time spent on each apps. Findings show significant discrepancies in subjective and objective measures of social media usage, as individuals overestimate or underestimate their actual usage. Social media usage was significantly positively correlated with online infidelity, while technoference significantly mediated this relationship. Furthermore, gender differences were observed, with males reporting higher technoference and online infidelity than females. These findings highlight the importance of incorporating objective measures alongside with subjective measures of social media usage.
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