LINE network, relational satisfaction, and general health in college freshmen

Abstract

This study explored how engagement in computer-mediated communication through the network application "LINE" affects relational satisfaction with friends, and general health in college freshmen. Sixty-two participants completed a self-report questionnaire in May, and again in July. Health was measured by the General Health Questionnaire-28. A conditional uniform graph test showed a significant positive correlation between face-to-face (FTF) and LINE networks. LINE networks showed less correlation between May and July in comparison to FTF networks. There was no difference in students' reported FTF friends. However, there was an increase in the number of LINE groups, and the number of those nominated as most important group members decreased. There was no significant correlation between the number of LINE groups and general health. The centrality of the LINE network showed a marginally significant positive correlation with satisfaction with friends in May, and significant negative correlation with depression in July. The number of LINE access had positive significant correlation with friendship satisfaction in May. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2017 APA, all rights reserved)