Network effects on physical activity through interpersonal vs. masspersonal communication with the core and acquaintance networks

This study extended the conceptual model of network influence on health behavior by establishing the correspondence between types of social networks (i.e., core and acquaintance networks) and psychosocial processes (i.e., social control and awareness of healthy behaviors) that facilitate increased physical activity among college students. Using an online survey, we identified college students' types of social networks based on their offline and social media activities. Data about psychosocial processes and their physical activity were also collected. Communication with one's core and acquaintance network was related to social control from and awareness of healthy behaviors of both the core and acquaintance network. Nevertheless, only awareness of healthy behaviors from the core network was related to increased physical activity. •Interpersonal communication was related to social control from both the core and the acquaintance network.•Social control from the core and the acquaintance network had no associations with individuals' physical activity.•Masspersonal communication was related to health-behavior awareness of one's acquaintance networks, but not core networks.•Interpersonal communication was positively related to the health-behavior awareness of the core network.•Only health-behavior awareness from the core network is related to individuals' physical activity.