Social Zapping: Examining Predictors of Last-Minute Cancelations Among Community Members

Social zapping refers to the tendency to cancel plans or appointments shortly before they are supposed to take place in order to attend plans deemed “better” than the original (Müller et al., 2020). With the recent global pandemic occurring and forced isolation presenting as a consequence, the population more than ever has turned to technology to keep up with their relationships (Pennington, 2021). Because of this, social zapping has become increasingly prevalent. Although there is clear need to assess social zapping, few empirical studies have been conducted regarding the predictors and implications of social zapping (Müller et al., 2020; 2021). The present study sought to examine potential predictors of social zapping, including behavioral traits such as the four fundamental needs (belongingness, self-esteem, sense of control, and meaningful existence). Furthermore, the present study sought to determine if the four fundamental needs were predictors of social zapping in individuals aged 40-75 years old. Data utilized for the present study was collected in 2021. The present study found that belongingness and self-esteem significantly predicted social zapping tendencies with belongingness being the strongest predictor. The present study also found that older adults have a significant, more positive relationship with self-esteem, sense of control, and meaningful existence than individuals aged 39 and younger. The population of young adults (aged 18-39) were found to have stronger, more positive relationships with belongingness. Social zapping was found to be nonsignificant for both older adults and younger adults. The current study additionally found social desirability to be a significant predictor of self-esteem and meaningful existence. Overall, the present study builds on what is currently a new phenomenon in research and will provide new information on the relationship between age, social zapping, and behavioral traits such as the four fundamental needs

Social Determinants of Social Zapping: Exploring Predictors of Planned Scheduled Social Events with Others

Social zapping, defined as the cancelation of plans or appointments shortly before they are supposed to take place in order to attend plans deemed “better” than the original, has become increasingly prevalent. The present study examined potential behavioral trait predictors of social zapping, such as belongingness, self-esteem, sense of control, and meaningful existence among community residents ranging from 40 to 75 years of age (n = 48). Results indicated that belongingness and self-esteem are significant predictors of social zapping tendencies, with belongingness emerging as the strongest predictor. Additionally, older adults exhibited a significant and more positive association with self-esteem, sense of control, and meaningful existence compared to individuals aged 39 and younger. The population of young adults (aged 18-39) were found to have stronger, more positive relationships with belongingness. Social zapping frequency was nonsignificant for both older adults and younger adults. Furthermore, social desirability significantly predicted both self-esteem and meaningful existence. Overall, the present study builds on what is currently a new phenomenon in research and will provide new information on the relationship between age, social zapping, and behavioral traits

What were you thinking (During COVID)? Decisions to Declutter

The present study examines the relationship between psychological reactance and clutter quality of life. Psychological reactance was a concept created by Brehm (1966) to describe the emotional response or state in a situation or environment when there is a restriction or loss of freedom. According to this theory when coercive, persuasive, or other attempts that threaten freedom of choice causes reactance to increase. This theory is most often associated with consumer behavior but within this study a relationship between how people react to advice and how that affects their decision to declutter or not is plausible. What was not examined was if an individual decided to declutter or not but the outcome of that is the Clutter Quality of Life with the initial variable and outcome of correlations. Clutter Quality of Life from its scale is used to describe and measure the consequences of clutter in a person\u27s life. It highlights wellbeing and the negative effects of clutter in life. Therefore, the present study examines the relationship between psychological reactance and clutter quality of life.https://via.library.depaul.edu/psychologynight/1258/thumbnail.jp