Understanding How Social Media Use Relates to Turnover Intention Among Chinese Civil Servants: A Resource Perspective

The rise in social media has blurred work-life boundaries, and concerns have been raised about its impact on employee well-being. This study examines how excessive social media use at work (ESMU) and social media use for work during non-work hours (SMUNW) affect turnover intention. Social media exhaustion is tested as a mediator, and resilience is tested as a moderator. Survey data were collected from 453 civil servants in Shandong Province, China. Hierarchical regression and the PROCESS MARCO were used for analysis. The results indicate that ESMU (<i>β</i> = 0.42, <i>p</i> < 0.001) and SMUNW (<i>β</i> = 0.14, <i>p</i> < 0.01) both significantly increase turnover intention. Social media exhaustion mediates these relationships, while resilience reduces their negative impact. Our findings contribute to technostress research by clarifying how digital demands influence public employees. For managers and organizations, the results highlight the need to set boundaries for work-related social media use; monitor employees' digital exhaustion; and foster resilience through recruitment, training, and organizational support.