| Abstract: | Social networking sites (SNS) represent a ubiquitous, dynamic, and significant part of modern life, as they have a substantial impact on identity formation, interpersonal relationships, and everyday communication. This master's thesis presents theoretical approaches to understanding the motivation behind (non)problematic use, the development of cognitive, emotional, and behavioural patterns, and the potential negative consequences of use. The main aim of the study was to examine the impact on various psychological constructs, the role of addictive use, the motivation for participation, and the self-limitation process itself, using a one-week self-limitation intervention. The final sample included 24 participants, who showed positive changes in FoMO, anxiety, depressive symptoms, stress, and psychological well-being. No statistically significant changes were found in loneliness, social connectedness, self-esteem, life satisfaction, or sleep quality. Addictive use did not influence the effectiveness of the intervention. The most prominent motive for using social networking sites was entertainment, while negative social potency was the least prominent motive. Participants were primarily motivated to take part out of curiosity, self-exploration, more optimal use of time, and a willingness to assist the researcher. The process of self-restraint was mostly described as positive. The discussion outlines possible explanations for the (non)significant effects, including reduced exposure to notifications and stressors, the interruption of habitual content browsing, decreased social comparison, increased focus on other activities, reflection, emotional support, an initial lack of problems, compensation, short duration of the intervention, and other similar factors. |
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