Abstract

Social networking sites, such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Discord, are widely used and associated with many benefits such as social support and professional networking. However, social networking sites have also provided a forum for online abuse. After experiencing online abuse, individuals may be less likely to engage in IT use, which may exclude them from digital services and experiences. Additionally, an individual may be less likely to develop higher levels of IT identity with social networking sites after experiencing online abuse. In this research-in-progress, we examine how one’s level of IT identity is impacted by one’s experience with online abuse on social networking sites. We also consider the role of psychological wellbeing as a potential mediator and moderator in the relationship between one’s experience with online abuse and IT identity. Finally, we investigate the disparate impact of online abuse on IT identity based on gender.

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