Passive/Active WeChat Use and Subjective Well-being among Chinese Parents: A Serial Mediation Model

Abstract

Previous studies have explored the direct impact of social media use on subjective well-being (SWB), but they have not fully grasped the potential mechanisms underlying this relationship. As a result, this study aims to investigate the direct relationship between passive/active WeChat use and SWB, as well as how upward social comparison, perceived social support, and self-esteem serially mediate the relationship between passive/active WeChat use and SWB among Chinese parents. The current study, which used a sample of 403 Chinese parents, found no significant relationship between passive WeChat use and SWB, but there was a significant relationship between active WeChat use and SWB. Moreover, upward social comparison and self-esteem have a significant and negative serial mediating effect on the relationship between passive WeChat use and SWB. Additionally, the study found a significant and positive serial mediating effect of perceived social support and self-esteem on the relationship between active WeChat use and SWB. We hope the suggestions will contribute to a deeper understanding of parents' use of WeChat and SWB.