Table 3.
Direct and Indirect Effects of Uses and Gratifications of Mobile Phones on Loneliness (N = 1,318)
| b (SE) | % of total effect mediated | |
|---|---|---|
| Sociability a | ||
| Total effect of sociability on loneliness (path c) | −0.09 (0.02)*** | 23.86% |
| Effect of sociability on face-to-face social interaction (path a) | 0.07 (0.03)* | |
| Effect of face-to-face social interaction on loneliness (path b) | −0.28 (0.02)*** | |
| Direct effect of sociability on loneliness (path c’) | −0.07 (0.02)*** | |
| Indirect effect of sociability on loneliness (a × b) | −0.02 (0.01)* | |
| Reassurance b | ||
| Total effect of reassurance on loneliness (path c) | −0.03 (0.02) | |
| Effect of reassurance on face-to-face social interaction (path a) | 0.05 (0.03)* | |
| Effect of face-to-face social interaction on loneliness (path b) | −0.28 (0.02)*** | |
| Direct effect of reassurance on loneliness (path c’) | −0.01 (0.01) | |
| Indirect effect of reassurance on loneliness (a × b) | −0.01 (0.01)* | |
| Pass Time c | 30.76% | |
| Total effect of pass time on loneliness (path c) | 0.06 (0.02)*** | |
| Effect of pass time on face-to-face social interaction (path a) | −0.07 (0.02)** | |
| Effect of face-to-face social interaction on loneliness (path b) | −0.28 (0.02)*** | |
| Direct effect of pass time on loneliness (path c’) | 0.04 (0.01)** | |
| Indirect effect of pass time on loneliness (a × b) | 0.02 (0.01)** | |
| Instrumentality d | ||
| Total effect of instrumentality on loneliness (path c) | −0.02 (0.02) | |
| Effect of instrumentality on face-to-face social interaction (path a) | 0.07 (0.02)** | |
| Effect of face-to-face social interaction on loneliness (path b) | −0.28 (0.02)*** | |
| Direct effect of instrumentality on loneliness (path c’) | 0.01 (0.01) | |
| Indirect effect of instrumentality on loneliness (a × b) | −0.02 (0.01)** | |
Note: Results are from seemingly unrelated regression (SUR) models using 20 imputed datasets for each, where results were combined using Rubin’s rules. Control variables were included in all models.
aExtent to which respondent uses their mobile phone to keep in touch with friends or relatives, or to get to know other people; bextent to which respondent uses their mobile phone to feel safe and secure in case of an emergency, and to be available to families and friends; cextent to which respondent uses their mobile phone for passing time, relaxation, or entertainment purposes; dextent to which respondent uses their mobile phone to obtain news and information, schedule appointments, and coordinate activities.
* p<.05 ** p<.01 *** p<.001.