Digital Buffer: The Moderating Role of Social Media Use on the Relationship between Job Boredom, Loneliness, and Burnout

Abstract

Burnout is described by feelings of exhaustion, cynicism, and decreased professional efficacy. It has been associated with several physical, psychological, and organizational consequences, driving companies to find strategies to mitigate its causes. This study examined the relationship between job boredom, loneliness, and social media use on burnout. It also investigated the possible buffering role of social media use as a moderator of burnout from job boredom and loneliness. A final sample of 263 workers were recruited to participate in a questionnaire. Correlational and hierarchical regression results indicated that job boredom and loneliness were associated with all three subcomponents of burnout. Additionally, social media use was positively associated with exhaustion; however, there was no relationship between cynicism and professional efficacy. No moderation effects of social media use were detected, indicating that social media use, as measured, did not buffer the effects of burnout. Limitations, practical implications, and future research are discussed.