Social comparisons: A potential mechanism linking problematic social media use with depression
Samra A, Warburton WA, Collins AM
Journal of behavioral addictions · 36 citations
How it was studied
- Design
- Cross-sectional study (classified by our AI screen)
- Studied in
- People
- Main outcome
- Health markers and function
Who paid for it
- Funding
- Independent funding
Based on full-text disclosure statement.
Publication
- Published
- 2022-06-02 · J Behav Addict · vol. 11 · issue 2 · pp. 607–614
- Publisher
- Akadémiai Kiadó
- Cited
- 83 citations · more than 100% of similar papers · 24.4× the field average
- Impact
- Top 10% most cited in its field
- References
- 34 works
- Access
- Open access (journal) · CC-BY-NC
- Research areas
- Impact of Technology on Adolescents · Mental Health via Writing · Digital Mental Health Interventions
- Keywords
- social media addiction, social comparison, depression, upward social comparison, downward social comparison, self-esteem, mediation, gender differences, young adults
- MeSH
- humans, depression, self concept, australia, female, male, young adult, social media, social comparison
3 authors
From AU
- Adele Samra · correspondingMacquarie University
- Wayne Warburton · correspondingMacquarie University
- Andrew M. Collins · correspondingMacquarie University
Abstract
Background and aims
The majority of Australians are regular users of social media, especially young adults. Of concern, is that a minority of people appear to use social media in an addictive or problematic way which is associated with negative psychological outcomes such as depression. Social comparisons, where users compare themselves to others on social media, have also been linked with depression. Therefore, the key aim of the study was to determine whether social comparisons mediate the relationship between Problematic Social Media Use (PSMU) and depression.
Method
In a two-part study 144 participants (65 females) answered a series of self-report questions assessing factors relating to PSMU and then came into the lab to view a series of social media images, (pre-tested to be upward or downward comparisons).
Results
Females used social media more problematically, liked more upward than downward comparison images and compared themselves more negatively to others on social media than did males. Higher PSMU scores were associated with depression and low self-esteem and comparing oneself more negatively to others on social media. Finally, focusing on upward comparisons and a tendency to make negative comparisons to others on social media partially mediated the association between PSMU and depression.
Discussion and conclusions
Social comparisons may function as a mechanism linking PSMU with negative psychological outcomes. Clinical interventions for individuals with PSMU which reduce the focus on upward social comparisons may also reduce negative psychological outcomes such as depression.
Abstract via Europe PMC. Copyright remains with the authors or publisher (CC BY-NC).
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