Krasnova, HannaHannaKrasnovaHildebrand, ThomasThomasHildebrandGünther, OliverOliverGüntherKovrigin, AlexanderAlexanderKovriginNowobilska, AnetaAnetaNowobilska2024-10-152024-10-152008-06https://boris-portal.unibe.ch/handle/20.500.12422/118542Despite their enormous success the motivation behind user participation in Online Social Networks is still little understood. This study explores a variety of possible incentives and provides an empirical evaluation of their subjective relevance. The analysis is based on survey data from 129 test subjects. Using Structural Equation Modeling, we identified that the satisfaction of the needs for belongingness and the esteem needs through self-presentation together with peer pressure are the main drivers of participation. The analysis of a sub-sample of active users pointed out the satisfaction of the cognitive needs as an additional participation determinant. Based on these findings, recommendations for online social network providers are made.enSocial Network Analyses & Economic ImplicationsOnline CommunitiesMotivationsAffect & EmotionOnline Social Network ParticipationMaslow’s Hierarchy of NeedsStructural Equation ModelingPLS.000 - Computer science, knowledge & systems300 - Social sciences, sociology & anthropology::330 - Economicsconference_item10.7892/boris.47467