How does the perceived ubiquity of social media influence employees’ broad and deep socialization-based social media usage and digital well-being?

Social media is closely integrated into our daily life and wellbeing in today's digital era, making it crucial to understand social media impacts on individuals' digital wellbeing. This study examined how social media usage (SMU) affects individuals' digital well-being. We developed a research model to examine the effects of four features of social media ubiquity (continuity, searchability, immediacy and portability) on both broad and deep socialization-based social media usage (SMU), which further affects individuals' digital well-being. We collected data from 600 employees in a two-wave survey setting to test this model. We found that continuity and searchability positively influenced both broad and deep socialization-based SMU. Immediacy was shown to positively affect deep SMU, while portability enhances broad SMU. Broad socialization-based SMU had a positive impact on digital well-being, but deep socialization-based usage did not. These findings highlight the distinct roles that different features of social media ubiquity play in shaping social media usage and well-being. This research contributes to the theoretical understanding of social media ubiquity and its nuanced effects on digital well-being. Furthermore, it offers practical insights for designing social media platforms that promote well-being outcomes. • Broad socialization-based SMU positively affects digital well-being. • Continuity and searchability drive broad and deep social media usage. • Immediacy boosts deep usage; portability strengthens broad usage. • Findings inform well-being strategies via social media design and use practices.