Social networking and social comparison: Something new or more of the same?
Date
2021-08
Authors
Lauber, Sierra
Major Professor
Advisor
Armstrong, Patrick
Vogel, David
Zarling, Amie
Committee Member
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Altmetrics
Abstract
Social comparison theory is an ageless process humans engage in to varying degrees. Even with this, the way we engage in social comparison, and its impacts, fluctuates as social interactions change. One significant shift to human interaction is the ability to communicate online, as is the case with social networking sites (SNS). The present study assessed if social comparison differentially impacted individuals when comparisons occurred via SNS. Data was collected longitudinal with two self-report questionnaires that were distributed one-week apart. Here, social comparison orientation (SCO) as well as social comparison reaction (SCR) measures were utilized to test for differential strength in predicting the outcomes. Multiple measures of SNS usage were also incorporated, including active and passive forms of SNS use as well as total frequency of SNS usage. To determine if there was a significant difference between self-report usage and objectively tracked measures, participants were asked to use tracking software on their smartphone to report total time spent on SNS. This information was used along with participants’ reported levels of self-esteem, envy, and inspiration to predict feelings of negative affect and depression. Multiple linear regression (MLR) was utilized to test both direct and indirect effects. Results demonstrated an indirect effect between both comparison measures and self-esteem in predicting depression and negative affect. Additionally, SCR uniquely had an indirect effect, through inspiration, in predicting negative affect. It was also found that participants significantly overestimated time spent using SNS compared to their tracked data.
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thesis