This study develops and tests a model based on the conservation of resources theory and presents an underlying mechanism linking social media ostracism with the lurking intentions of social media users. The proposed model suggests that emotional exhaustion is a mediating mechanism linking social media ostracism to lurking intentions. In addition, we examine whether or not the psychological resilience of social media users serves as a boundary condition that weakens the effects of social media ostracism on emotional exhaustion. Results of a moderated mediation analysis based on a sample of 363 employees in China support the conceptual model. Empirical findings likewise reveal that social media ostracism positively predicts emotional exhaustion among social media users. In addition, results indicate that emotional exhaustion is a mediating mechanism that links social media ostracism with lurking intentions. Furthermore, we find that psychological resilience plays a moderating role and weakens the positive effect of social media ostracism on emotional exhaustion. Theoretical contributions and practical implications of this study are also presented.

Social networking site (SNS) providers and information system (IS) researchers are becoming increasingly interested in the factors that cause individuals to quit SNS. This study integrates the psychological and neurocognitive perspectives to examine the effects of poor sleep quality on the intention to quit. We utilise stress–strain–outcome, guilt, and ego depletion theories to argue that the excessive use of smartphone-based SNSs at night decreases sleep quality. Poor sleep quality increases the failure of self-control on SNS use and guilt, thereby increasing the intention to quit. We tested the hypothesised model by using a sample (N = 701) of Chinese students, which generally support our hypotheses.

The problematic use of mobile social networking sites (SNS) has become increasingly severe among a large proportion of users. However, only a few studies have investigated this issue. To understand the underlying mechanism of mobile SNS addiction, the current study examines the formation process of addiction with a particular focus on WeChat. This study uses the cognitive–behavioural model for its strong explanatory power in problematic information technology use. A field survey, which involved 335 WeChat users as subjects, was conducted to examine our study model. Results demonstrate that addictive behaviour is determined by individuals’ perceived benefits (i.e. social and hedonic benefits) of mobile SNS. In turn, these benefits are influenced by sense of belonging and habit. We enhance the cognitive–behavioural model in the current context by identifying sense of belonging and habit as distal causes and perceived benefits as proximal causes. The practical implications of preventing mobile SNS addiction are also discussed in this research.