The Contributions of Social Comparison to Social Network Site Addiction

Abstract

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.

Relationships Between Social Media Addiction and Self-Esteem Among University Students in Malaysia

“…Guyer and Vaughan-Johnston, (2018) and Kim et al (2020), claim that people regularly utilize social comparisons as a deliberate strategy to boost their self-esteem by contrasting themselves with those who are less fortunate, which makes them feel superior (downward comparison). Meanwhile, it is possible for 20s individuals to engage in social comparisons by comparing themselves with others who are similar but slightly more successful, which helps them perceive themselves as capable of achieving similar success (upward comparison).…”

“…When adolescents made downward comparisons, such as by glancing at the profiles of peers with fewer friends and accomplishments, they felt better about themselves (Monroe, 2019). In a study conducted by to Kim et al (2020), it was argued that individuals frequently employ social comparisons as a conscious tactic to enhance their selfesteem. They achieve this by contrasting themselves with less fortunate individuals, which leads to feelings of superiority known as downward comparison.…”