Disconnect between intentions and outcomes: A comparison of regretted text and photo social networking site posts

Abstract

Many social networking site (SNS) users regret previous posts and post sensitive content despite the potential for negative consequences. Limited research has examined regret among SNS users, and it is unclear whether regret differs between text and graphic formats. An online survey of Australian SNS users (N = 995), compared regretted text to photo and video posts by examining demographic characteristics, psychological antecedents, post content, and consequences of posting. Feelings of regret were similar; however, regretted photo/video posts reported were related to a positive mood when posting, social motivations, and most frequently resulted in personal consequences (e.g., embarrassment). In comparison, regretted text posts were motivated by negative mood states and were more likely to result in social consequences. There might be a disconnection between what users hope to convey and how posts are perceived. SNS design that prompts users to consider the impacts of posts and to screen for offending content may reduce post regret. Interventions should encourage mindfulness of posting when upset and gaining self‐validation externally from SNS.