Blogging on MySpace may have psychosocial benefits, according to research conducted by James Baker & Susan Moore. The study was published in the journal CyberPsychology & Behavior in 2008.
The study surveyed 58 new MySpace users and then surveyed them again two months later. Of the 58 participants, 31 used MySpace’s blog while the other 27 did not. The survey assessed the users changes in emotional distress, social provisions and satisfaction with social connectedness.
According to the authors of this research,
Bloggers’ levels of social integration and reliable alliance increased over time, while there were no significant changes for nonbloggers. Higher levels of social integration suggest that bloggers feel greater belonging to a group of likeminded people with interests and ways of thinking similar to their own.
Reference:
James R. Baker & Susan M. Moore. (2008). Blogging as a Social Tool: A Psychosocial Examination of the Effects of Blogging. CyberPsychology & Behavior, Vol 11, No 6.