Upward social comparisons and posting under the influence: Investigating social media behaviors of U.S. adults with Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Abstract

Introduction: The use of social media has been steadily increasing among U.S. adults, and while time spent on social media has been linked to certain mental health difficulties, it remains unclear precisely which social media behaviors may be damaging to mental well-being. The current study aimed to identify specific social media behaviors related to Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). Methods: U.S adults (n = 1,314) aged 18 to 82 (M = 35.74) who actively use social media were recruited to participate in an online survey assessing specific social media behaviors. The Patient Health Questionnaire was included to assess the presence of GAD. Univariate analyses were conducted to identify specific social media behaviors associated with GAD. A stepwise binary multivariate logistic regression was developed to determine the key social media behaviors most strongly associated with GAD. Results: Analyses at the univariate level showed a trend, such that individuals with GAD endorsed behaviors associated with social media addiction and censorship. Other behaviors associated with GAD included a greater likelihood of participants comparing themselves to others who are better off than they are, being bothered if unfriended/unfollowed, and being more likely to post under the influence. The multivariate logistic regression model identified two key social media factors most strongly associated with GAD: participants comparing themselves to others better off (p < .001) and posting while drinking alcohol (p = .044).Conclusion: Upward social comparisons and alcohol use while on social media are significantly associated with GAD in an adult population. Keywords: Anxiety Disorder; Social Media; Upward Comparisons; Alcohol Use

Addressing Barriers to Mental Health Wellness: Prescriptions for Marketing

“…Our research also shows that mental health-related stigma and efforts to self-treat through vice consumption are positively associated. This finding, coupled with evidence that alcohol- and drug-related deaths are rising in the United States (Bonnette et al 2019; Ducharme 2019), suggests that policies are urgently needed to educate consumers about mental health resources and overconsumption. For example, alcohol and e-cigarette manufacturers might be petitioned and encouraged to include mental health information labels on their products.…”

“…Problems arise when consumption practices to manage emotions are maladaptive and individuals make efforts to “self-treat” mental health conditions by consuming vice products such as alcohol, recreational drugs, and food (Bonnette et al 2019). In fact, reports suggest a rise in the abuse of illicit drugs among young adults (Winstock et al 2021).…”

“…Evidence suggests that mental health–related discrimination and the stigmatization of mental illness have a negative impact on help-seeking behavior and initial access to mental health care (Clement et al 2015; Yeh, Jewell, and Thomas 2017). Lack of professional-help-seeking behavior can also lead to deleterious behavior in efforts to self-treat by adopting adverse and illicit consumption behaviors (e.g., drugs and alcohol; Bonnette et al 2019).…”

Online Trolls: Unaffectionate Psychopaths or Just Lonely Outcasts and Angry Partisans?

“…How people shape social comparison on social media, however, is differently related to different sorts of trolling. Research suggests that mostly psychopathic people engage in upward social comparison, or comparison with people who are better off (Lopes & Yu, 2017); others who want to enhance their social status make a downward comparison, since upward comparison for them would only increase their anxiety, low selfesteem, insecurity, and loneliness (Bonnette et al, 2019;Howard et al, 2019). We would expect defensive trolling to be more related to downward online comparison, and enjoyment trolling to be more related to upward online comparison.…”