scholarly journals The contributions of social comparison to social network site addiction

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (10) ◽  
pp. e0257795
Author(s):  
Hyunji Kim ◽  
Richard Schlicht ◽  
Marlit Schardt ◽  
Arnd Florack
Keyword(s):  
Social Network ◽  
Social Comparison ◽  
Relative Deprivation ◽  
Social Comparisons ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Psychological Constructs ◽  
Network Platform ◽  
Upward Social Comparison

Excessive use of social network sites (SNSs) can often lead to negative consequences of frequent upward social comparisons despite having the social network platform to present users in a favorable light. However, the existing literature gives little evidence to social comparison related antecedents and consequents of uncontrollable use of SNSs. The present study aimed to investigate the contributions of social comparison to SNS addiction. In Study 1, using a convenient sample in Austria (n = 103), we showed that the tendency to engage in social comparisons of ability (but not of opinion) predicted self-reported SNS addiction over and above the feelings of relative deprivation on social support and status. SNS addiction mediated the relations between social comparison of ability and stress, but not self-esteem. In Study 2, using a broad sample of participants in Austria (n = 500), we replicated the findings observed in Study 1 and showed that contrastive upward social comparison emotions (i.e., envy, depression) mediated the relation between SNS addiction and lower self-esteem whereas the contrastive downward social comparison emotion (i.e., contentment) mediated the relation between SNS addiction and higher self-esteem. Our findings suggest that SNS addiction closely relates to psychological constructs relevant to social comparison, mediates the link between social comparison of ability and detrimental consequences (i.e., stress, well-being) and demonstrate how social comparison emotions relate to both positive and negative associations between SNS addiction and self-esteem.

The Contributions of Social Comparison Motives to Uncontrollable SNS Use

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hyunji Kim ◽  
Richard Schlicht ◽  
Marlit Schardt ◽  
Arnd Florack
Keyword(s):  
Social Network ◽  
Social Comparison ◽  
Social Relationships ◽  
Relative Deprivation ◽  
Social Comparisons ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Social Contacts ◽  
The Social ◽  
Network Platform ◽  
Favorable Light

Excessive use of social network sites (SNSs) can often lead to negative consequences of frequent upward social comparisons despite having the social network platform to present users in a favorable light. However, the existing literature gives little evidence to what type of social comparison motives can lead to excessive use of SNSs. The present study showed that the tendency to engage in social comparisons of abilities (but not of opinions) predicted self-reported uncontrollable SNS use over and above the feelings of relative deprivation on social relationships and status. Our results indicate that engaging in SNS activities to make quick and easy social comparisons rather than to gain social recourses (e.g., making more social contacts and staying in touch with desirable social groups) might be the driving factor of uncontrollable use of SNSs.

scholarly journals Look Up, Look Down: Articulating Inputs and Outputs of Social Media Social Comparison

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamin Johnson
Keyword(s):  
Social Comparison ◽  
Social Comparisons ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Pluralistic Ignorance ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Mood Management ◽  
Computer Mediated ◽  
Upward Social Comparison

Computer-mediated social comparisons have been identified as a threat to psychological well-being. Because online friends selectively self-present, social comparisons may be biased upward, producing feelings of inadequacy. However, earlier evidence consistently confounded social comparative thoughts with causes or outcomes. A cross-sectional survey (N = 163) tested how traits, motivations, selectivity, and mood management influence computer-mediated downward and upward social comparison, and how comparison influences affect, self-esteem, and peer misperceptions. Results indicated age, social comparison orientation, mood modification, selectivity, and Facebook intensity produced social comparisons. Younger, frequent users made more upward comparisons, while mood modifiers made more downward comparisons. Comparing upward boosted negative affect, harmed self-esteem, and produced pluralistic ignorance. Downward comparisons enhanced self-esteem and reduced pluralistic ignorance about offline friends.

scholarly journals Don’t put all social network sites in one basket: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and their relations with well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. e0248384
Author(s):  
Alexandra Masciantonio ◽  
David Bourguignon ◽  
Pierre Bouchat ◽  
Manon Balty ◽  
Bernard Rimé
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Negative Affect ◽  
Social Comparison ◽  
Satisfaction With Life ◽  
Social Network Sites ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Upward Social Comparison

Prior studies indicated that actively using social network sites (SNSs) is positively associated with well-being by enhancing social support and feelings of connectedness. Conversely, passively using SNSs is negatively associated with well-being by fostering upward social comparison and envy. However, the majority of these studies has focused on Facebook. The present research examined the relationships between well-being—satisfaction with life, negative affect, positive affect—and using actively or passively various SNSs—Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok—during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, two mediators were tested: social support and upward social comparison. One thousand four persons completed an online survey during the quarantine measures; the analyses employed structural equation modeling. Results showed that passive usage of Facebook is negatively related to well-being through upward social comparison, whereas active usage of Instagram is positively related to satisfaction with life and negative affect through social support. Furthermore, active usage of Twitter was positively related to satisfaction with life through social support; while passive usage was negatively related to upward social comparison, which, in turn, was associated with more negative affect. Finally, TikTok use was not associated with well-being. Results are discussed in line with SNSs’ architectures and users’ motivations. Future research is required to go beyond methodological and statistical limitations and allow generalization. This study concludes that SNSs must be differentiated to truly understand how they shape human interactions.

scholarly journals Consumption-oriented engagement in social network sites

2019 ◽  
Vol 53 (7) ◽  
pp. 1355-1377 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hillbun Ho ◽  
Kenichi Ito
Keyword(s):  
Social Network ◽  
Young Adult ◽  
Social Comparison ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Social Network Sites ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Materialistic Values ◽  
The Impact

Purpose Mounting empirical evidence shows that engagement in social network sites (SNSs) could have a negative impact on users’ personal well-being. However, studies of the undesirable effects of SNS use have not examined SNSs as a channel for users to share consumption information and experiences. To extend prior research, this study aims to examine the impact of consumption-oriented engagement (COE) in SNSs on young adult consumers’ personal well-being in terms of anxiety and self-esteem, as well as excessive spending. Design/methodology/approach Surveys were the primary means of data collection from a sample of young college students (N = 900). Moderated hierarchical regression was used to test the hypotheses. Findings COE is positively associated with anxiety and excessive spending and negatively associated with self-esteem. Social comparison mediates these relationships, and individuals’ materialistic values moderate the mediation. Research limitations/implications This study demonstrates the psychological and behavioral outcomes of consumer socialization via digital media among young adult consumers. It introduces and empirically validates social comparison as a theoretical explanation for the effects of COE. In addition, it validates materialistic values as a personal trait that moderates the effects of COE. Practical implications The study validates COE as a key precursor to the well-being of young adult users of SNSs and social comparison as the mediator. With this understanding, public policies can be designed to mitigate the root cause of the negative impact of SNS use. Originality/value Findings shed light on the negative repercussions of engagement in SNSs in the consumption domain and provide an impetus for educators, researchers and policymakers to make further efforts to gain a thorough understanding of the pitfalls of social media use.

scholarly journals A Network Analysis of Facebook Use and Well-being in Relation to Key Psychological Variables: Replication and Extension

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lien Faelens ◽  
Eowyn Van de Putte ◽  
Kristof Hoorelbeke ◽  
Rudi de Raedt ◽  
Ernst H. W. Koster
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
Social Comparison ◽  
Affective Disorders ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Facebook Use ◽  
The Relationship

Studies exploring the relationship between Facebook use and well-being have yielded inconsistent findings. Investigating the underlying mechanisms seems to be of crucial importance to gain insight into the positive and negative consequences of Facebook use. A recent study illustrated the importance of taking into account social comparison and self-esteem, which serve as central constructs in the relationship between Facebook use and risk for affective disorders. Extending these findings will be key to increase our knowledge on possible risk and/or protective mechanisms. Therefore, we conducted a cross-sectional study (n = 469) to investigate the position of attention control and social capital in this previous reported network. Our results provide a conceptual replication of Faelens et al. (2019). In addition, the findings suggest that attentional control is not strongly connected with the problematic effects of Facebook use. Importantly, (bridging) social capital uniquely connected the variables related to Facebook use with our indicators of vulnerability for affective disorders via social comparison and contingent self-esteem. Possible explanations are discussed.

scholarly journals Don’t put all social network sites in one basket: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and their relations with well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandra Masciantonio ◽  
David Bourguignon ◽  
Pierre Bouchat ◽  
Manon Balty ◽  
Bernard Rimé
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Social Comparison ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Satisfaction With Life ◽  
Social Network Sites ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Upward Social Comparison

Prior studies indicated that actively using social network sites (SNSs) is positively associated with well-being by enhancing social support and feelings of connectedness. Conversely, passively using SNSs is negatively associated with well-being by fostering upward social comparison and envy. However, the majority of these studies has focused on Facebook. The present research examined the relationships between well-being and using actively or passively various SNSs (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok) during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, two mediators were tested: social support and upward social comparison. Eight hundred and twenty-three persons completed an online survey during the quarantine measures. Analyzes employed structural equation modeling. Results showed that passive usage of Facebook is negatively related to well-being through upward social comparison, whereas active usage of Instagram is positively related to satisfaction with life and negative affects through social support. However, TikTok use was not associated with well-being and the only significant relation for Twitter was between active usage and lower satisfaction with life. Results are discussed in line with SNSs’ architectures and user’s motivations. This study concludes that SNSs must be differentiated to truly understand how they shape human interactions.

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