Network heterogeneity, social stressors and social media fatigue: a person-environment misfit perspective

Purpose Social media-induced fatigue has received much attention in recent years. Although studies have discussed the association between related stress and fatigue, few studies have analyzed the media characteristics corresponding to social interaction stress and their effects on fatigue from the perspective of social relations and interaction structure. This paper aims to explore the association between network heterogeneity, social stressors and fatigue from the perspective of a person-environment misfit. Design/methodology/approach The survey data of 402 social media users were analyzed, and hierarchical regression models were used to validate the proposed theoretical model. Findings Data analysis showed that supplementary misfits (network heterogeneity) and complementary misfits (information overload and role conflict) positively affect fatigue. Additionally, supplementary misfits can indirectly affect fatigue through complementary misfits. The analysis results also confirmed the positive moderating effect of the relationship climate between network heterogeneity and role conflict. However, the quality of information does not reduce the impact of network heterogeneity on information overload. Originality/value This study reveals the mechanisms affecting user fatigue due to a lack of match with the environment. It also provides evidence of stress self-regulation among social media users and suggests how managers can help alleviate it.