Motivations for Facebook Use and College Student’s Self-esteem and Life Satisfaction

This study investigated college students’ social-psychological motivations of Facebook use and impacts of the motivations on self-esteem and life satisfaction. By applying the social-psychological approach, three dimensions (i.e., social interaction, identity seeking, self-presentation) were identified and six motivational factors of Facebook use (i.e., to feel connected, to gain approval, to establish personal identity, to establish social identity, to present true-self, to present ideal-self) were suggested to be examined. Using a data from a survey of college students, we confirm the applicability of the three dimensions and six motivations and suggest that college students use Facebook to satisfy various needs. This study also found that college students who used Facebook to feel connected and/or to establish personal identity were more likely to have high self-esteem and those who used Facebook to present true-self were more likely to be satisfied with their life. Theoretical and practical implications and limitations of the study were discussed based on the study findings, and areas of future research were suggested.