Which mediated social interactions satisfy the need to belong?

This investigation uses the two-process model of needs to explore differences between face-to-face communication and interpersonal media in terms of belongingness need satisfaction. Using experience sampling methods, Study 1 (N = 117) explored change in feelings of loneliness and connection from interpersonal media use within a day. Study 2 (N = 1,747) examined the association between loneliness and life satisfaction as mediated by patterns of interpersonal media use in the year following the COVID-19 outbreak. Study 3 (N = 303) experimentally manipulated social belonging to examine changes in interpersonal media use and resulting feelings of connection and disconnection. Overall, when individuals were more connected, their behaviors were more consistent with the two-process model, compared to when they felt disconnected. Additionally, although some interpersonal media use was better than no social contact at all, interpersonal media are not equally capable of satisfying belongingness needs.