The effect of social media use on empathy and welling: a personality perspective in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore the impact of social media use on both empathy and well-being through using a five-factor model (FFM) of personality in the context of Saudi Arabia.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from the 13 regions in Saudi Arabia. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to measure the reliability and validity of the study’s constructs and a structural equation modeling technique was applied to test the study hypotheses.

Findings

With a sample of 450 users, the regression results indicate a less significant relationship between personality and social media use, as well as between personality and affective empathy, while a more significant relationship between personality and cognitive empathy. Also, individuals’ well-being are influenced directly by the heavy use of social media.

Research limitations/implications

The cross-sectional design used in this research may not be able to provide the true essence of the hypothesized relationships compared to the cause-effect design. This study furthers the understanding of the role of personality on empathy and well-being in social media among Saudis from one side and provides insights to professionals for better improvement of social media and so better individuals’ well-being from the other side.

Originality/value

This paper fills an untapped gap in a developing country context by exploring the relationship between the usage of social media and the two dimensions of empathy, which, in turn, influence well-being under the theoretical lens of an FFM personality.

Citation

Albashrawi, M., Asiri, Y., Binsawad, M. and Alqahtani, L. (2022), "The effect of social media use on empathy and welling: a personality perspective in Saudi Arabia", Journal of Asia Business Studies, Vol. 16 No. 2, pp. 406-423. https://doi.org/10.1108/JABS-11-2020-0461