Abstract

Purpose: With the rapid information distribution of sport-related SNS, sport industry has utilized SNS as technical solution to distribute sport and health-related information. The current study examined the effect of SNS information use for running-specific content on running engagement and psychological well-being. Research design, data and methodology: Data were collected via online survey of participants in marathon events of United States. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square test were conducted to compare demographics and psycho-behavioral outcomes among SNS information users and non-users for running-specific contents. Multivariate hierarchical regression was next employed to examine research hypotheses. Results: A mass-participant running event was used to test seven hypotheses related to the potential role of SNS for running content in promoting running engagement and life satisfaction. In general, findings revealed that use of SNS for running content along with frequency of use can perhaps facilitate running intensity and influence participation in running-related outdoor activities. Furthermore, while overall life satisfaction did not appear to be influenced by use of SNS for running content, there was a demonstrated influence on the individual satisfaction domains. Conclusions: The findings of current study suggest that sport SNS is information distribution media enhancing users' engagement and their six life satisfaction domains. Further implications were discussed.