Meier A (2018)
Publication Type: Journal article
Publication year: 2018
Book Volume: 66
Pages Range: 407-427
Issue: 4
DOI: 10.5771/1615-634X-2018-4-407
Digital autonomy, defined here as self-determined behaviour in private interpersonal digital communication, may have become a key factor for mental health in our permanently connected everyday lives. Drawing on self-determination theory, this study investigates how individual differences concerning the satisfaction or frustration of autonomy needs in digital interpersonal communication affect general need satisfaction and frustration as well as mental health in everyday life. Results of a diary study of N=532 student smartphone users show that those whose need for autonomy in digital communication is more satisfied experienced slightly higher general need satisfaction (i.e. relatedness, competence, and autonomy) and eudemonic well-being (i.e. authenticity). In contrast, users who reported to have suffered more frustration regarding their need for autonomy in digital communication also showed slightly more frustration of general relatedness, competence and autonomy needs, as well as increased perceived stress in their daily lives. Autonomy, thus, appears to be a fruitful concept, differentiating between positive and negative effects of digital communication.
APA:
Meier, A. (2018). Alles eine Frage der digitalen Autonomie? Die Rolle von Autonomie in der digitalen Kommunikation für psychologische Grundbedürfnisse und psychische Gesundheit im Alltag. Medien- und Kommunikationswissenschaft, 66, 407-427. https://doi.org/10.5771/1615-634X-2018-4-407
MLA:
Meier, Adrian. "Alles eine Frage der digitalen Autonomie? Die Rolle von Autonomie in der digitalen Kommunikation für psychologische Grundbedürfnisse und psychische Gesundheit im Alltag." Medien- und Kommunikationswissenschaft 66 (2018): 407-427.
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