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"They Are Happier and Having Better Lives than I Am": The Impact of Using Facebook on Perceptions of Others' Lives
Abstract
Facebook, as one of the most popular social networking sites among college students, provides a platform for people to manage others' impressions of them. People tend to present themselves in a favorable way on their Facebook profile. This research examines the impact of using Facebook on people's perceptions of others' lives. It is argued that those with deeper involvement with Facebook will have different perceptions of others than those less involved due to two reasons. First, Facebook users tend to base judgment on examples easily recalled (the availability heuristic). Second, Facebook users tend to attribute the positive content presented on Facebook to others' personality, rather than situational factors (correspondence bias), especially for those they do not know personally. Questionnaires, including items measuring years of using Facebook, time spent on Facebook each week, number of people listed as their Facebook "friends," and perceptions about others' lives, were completed by 425 undergraduate students taking classes across various academic disciplines at a state university in Utah. Surveys were collected during regular class period, except for two online classes where surveys were submitted online. The multivariate analysis indicated that those who have used Facebook longer agreed more that others were happier, and agreed less that life is fair, and those spending more time on Facebook each week agreed more that others were happier and had better lives. Furthermore, those that included more people whom they did not personally know as their Facebook "friends" agreed more that others had better lives.
... Previous literature also indicates that viewing idealized representations of others' lives on social media often results in upward comparisons, where individuals compare themselves to those who appear better off. This can lead to feelings of jealousy, envy, inadequacy, and decreased self-esteem, as well as a greater likelihood of believing that others are having happier lives than oneself (Chou & Edge, 2012;Feinstein et al., 2013). ...
... In addition, users frequently encounter and browse posts from unknown people on platforms like TikTok, Little Red Book, or Instagram Explore Page, which may also affect their perceptions on life and themselves. While it has been noted that people with more Facebook "friends" whom they do not personally know agreed more on that others are living better lives (Chou & Edge, 2012), little is known about the consequences of social comparisons between people who are not acquainted in real life. Thus, this study aims to extend the literature by examining whether insta-style or realistic life posts from unknown users affect viewers' life satisfaction and self-evaluation. ...
... The study also investigated the influence of different types of social media life feeds on life satisfaction and social self-evaluation. Prior research suggested that viewing idealized selfies can decrease satisfaction with one's appearance (Fardouly & Rapee, 2019;Tiggemann & Zinoviev, 2019), and exposure to others' happy lives can lead to negative comparisons (Chou & Edge, 2012;Feinstein et al., 2013). However, our findings diverged from these conclusions, rejecting Hypotheses 2A and 2B. ...
... Exposing to idealized information of others may motivate upward comparison [15,23,27,30,31]. Upward comparison is a form of social comparison with others who are better than themselves in some aspects, which is often accompanied by dissatisfaction, perceived unfairness, and jealousy and resentment toward others [15,30,31,32,33], which lead to the feeling of RD [34]. Therefore, we considered that PSU can positively predict RD. ...
... As a result, there is an opportunity to cause an automatic upward comparison when browsing SNSs [15,23,27,30,31], so as to experience the sense of RD [34]. As previous research has shown, frequent Facebook users tend to view other people as happier than they are and are more inclined to consider society as unfair [33]. People have various responses at this time, among which consumption behaviors become a means of compensating the psychological assets [28]. ...
Background
Conspicuous consumption is a type of consumption behavior aimed at displaying one’s wealth and status, which may impose an economic burden and negative psychological impact on consumers. With the widespread spread of conspicuous consumption among young people in China, it is of great significance to explore its antecedents. However, previous studies on the association between passive social networking site use and conspicuous consumption remain insufficient.
Purpose
The present research attempted to investigate the relationship between passive social networking site use and conspicuous consumption and its internal mechanisms.
Methods
In Study 1 (pilot study), 138 participants were recruited for a preliminary analysis using a questionnaire method. In Study 2, we recruited 203 participants using a univariate inter-group design (passive social networking site use vs. non-passive social networking site use). In Study 3, we recruited 163 participants using a 2 (passive social networking site use vs. non-passive social networking site use) x 2 (lower subjective socioeconomic status vs. higher subjective socioeconomic status) inter-group design.
Results
The results show that: (1) Passive social networking site use positively predicted conspicuous consumption. (2) Relative deprivation mediated the positive relationship between passive social networking site use and conspicuous consumption. (3) Subjective socioeconomic status directly and indirectly (through the sense of relative deprivation) moderated the relationship between passive social networking site use and conspicuous consumption.
Conclusion
This research extends the relevant findings on consumption behaviors under the Internet scenario. In particular, the research provides new insights into reducing conspicuous consumption in the context of passive social networking site use.
Clinical trial number
Not applicable.
... This is because internet use can also be correlated with decreased time spent with friends and in offline social activities (Veena et al., 2012;Yang et al., 2021). Moreover, internet use may encourage users to compare themselves with other individuals in their reference groups and in society as a whole, whom they may perceive as better than themselves, causing them to feel relative deprivation and reducing their SWB (Chou & Edge, 2012;Lee, 2014;Yang et al., 2021). ...
... Comparing their situation with what they perceive to be other people's more advantageous situations often decreases their SWB. Clearly, internet use allows older people to compare themselves with others from any country and background, which may cause them to feel relative deprivation and, thus, reduce their SWB (Chou & Edge, 2012;Lee, 2014;Yang et al., 2021). ...
This study aimed to provide new insights into the role of internet use in the life satisfaction of older people in Italy, considering, in detail, the types of their online activities and the potential differences between these activities according to the old people’s genders and living arrangements. The data came from the survey Aspects of Daily Life conducted by the Italian National Institute of Statistics in 2021. The results of the logistic regression models used suggest that some online activities have associations with life satisfaction that vary according to gender and living arrangement. In particular, men living alone seem to benefit from voice and video calls, and men living with others, from messaging. On the other hand, for women living alone, online activities do not seem to be significantly associated with life satisfaction, but for women living with others, voice and video calls seem to be positively related to life satisfaction. Thus, not all online activities can be considered significant tools of empowerment for older adults. Specifically, internet use may have a beneficial effect among older Italians (excluding women living alone) when it is used to maintain or reinforce a real social network that is already present.
... Goffman's [29] theory of self-presentation has been widely used to understand these behaviors, suggesting that individuals manage their public image to influence others' perceptions (e.g., [32]). On social media, this often involves selective sharing, where users highlight positive aspects of their lives while omitting less flattering details [14]. This curated form of selfpresentation may lead to the performance of an ideal self, aligning with social norms or the expectations of an imagined audience [53]. ...
This study reveals a significant shift in how users perceive and engage with social media over time. Our analysis is based on qualitative longitudinal research carried out over ten years, involving a small group of participants in 2012, 2017, and 2022. Semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted using stimulated recall allowing for retrospection and reflection. Through this methodology, we trace the shifting perceptions of social media users, from initially embracing these platforms for quick, fun, and social activities, to later recognizing their potential intrusiveness and seeking strategies to manage their use. We outline three central trajectories that illustrate shifts in social media use across time: from public performance to private interaction, from producing to consuming and from fun to problematic. For HCI and social media studies, these findings underscore the need to prioritize user agency, ethical design practices, and longitudinal research endeavors to understand the evolving impacts of social media.
... Social media is popular across the world, which provides a great convenience for people to compare with each other in a broader network. Due to the positivity bias on social media, individuals with frequent social media use tend to mistakenly perceive their disadvantages relative to similar others, thus generating relative deprivation (Chou & Edge, 2012;Lilly et al., 2023). Notably, while a large body of research reveals the association between social media use and relative deprivation, some other research suggests the association between them may be flexible and vary with some individual and situational factors (Cho, 2014;Gkinopoulos et al., 2023;Lilly et al., 2023;H. ...
Previous research suggests there is a close link between social media use and individuals’ relative deprivation, but it remains unclear which specific activities on social media can increase individuals’ relative deprivation. Given that, three studies were conducted to examine how visual wealth exposure, a common phenomenon on social media, increased individuals’ relative deprivation, and the subsequent downstream consequences. By conducting an online questionnaire, Study 1 found a significantly positive relationship between visual wealth exposure on social media and relative deprivation, and upward social comparison played a mediating role between them. By conducting an online experiment, Study 2 found that participants in the wealth image exposure condition perceived higher relative deprivation than participants in the natural scenery image exposure condition, and upward social comparison played a mediating role between exposure condition and relative deprivation. The following Study 3 found that visual wealth exposure increased participants’ hostilities toward the rich via the mediating role of relative deprivation. Moreover, hostilities toward the rich further provoked aggressive behaviors. That is, visual wealth exposure increased participants’ aggressive behaviors via the chain-mediating role of relative deprivation and hostilities toward the rich. The present research deepens our understanding of how social media use increases individuals’ relative deprivation and social class antagonism, and also carries implications for how authorities alleviate the increasing conflicts between the poor and the rich in China-Mainland.
... Research has shown that using social media can negatively impact mood, well-being, and overall life satisfaction [85][86][87]. For example, passively consuming content on social media platforms, rather than actively engaging in communication, has been associated with reduced social connections and increased feelings of loneliness and social isolation [88]. ...
... This strategy of sharing intimate aspects of their daily lives contributes to the creation of a cult around their image and lifestyle, in addition to turning their personalities and bodies into commercial products that merge the personal with the promotional, which can easily extend to the promotion of certain body standards related to physical image (Abidin, 2016). Furthermore, these publications promote the perception that their lives are perfect (Chou & Edge, 2012) and reinforce unrealistic beauty standards (Tiggermann & Slater, 2013). (71) is the influencer who talks most about her daily life, showing her transfers, life in her house and paid collaborations that even include other members of her family, she also shows her friends and her boyfriend, generally in a positive key; followed by Fernanda Villalobos (49), who is dedicated to music but uses her Instagram account to show her daily life, the clothes she buys and her interpersonal relationships, always highlighting moments of joy and fullness; and Aida Domènech (40), who explains the progress of her pregnancy, how she misses her wife or declares her love for her, congratulates her mother on Mother's Day, shows photos of her childhood, recounts moments at home watching television, explains when she goes shopping, shows moments she spends with her friends, etc. ...
Introduction: Social media are the most popular among young people: they identify with the content and feel they are part of a collective. We analyze the content of the main influencers in Spain and Chile to find out: 1) what they talk about and identify whether it is informational, educational or entertainment content; 2) determine its quality and whether it eventually leads to misinformation and tends to trivialization; and 3) reflect on the quality of the content and how it can affect the configuration of young people's media diet. Methodology: Twelve accounts of influencers on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube were analyzed through 439 contents. A comparative content analysis combining qualitative and quantitative methods was proposed. Results: Influencers talk about a wide variety of topics, but they prioritize their personal lives from an entertainment perspective. The poor quality of the content is noted, which tends to trivialization. Discussion: Although the study on the impact of social media on the mental health of young people is extensive, less research focuses on analyzing the content of influencers and how they influence their followers. Conclusions: Identifying this trivialization of content can contribute to the development of public policies and training programs in media literacy and encourage the regulation and self-regulation of content on social media, due to the impact on the mental health of young people, who are building their identity.
... Σε αντίθεση με τις παραδοσιακές αλληλεπιδράσεις που λαμβάνουν χώρα αυτοπροσώπως, τα άτομα τείνουν να προβάλουν μια ταυτότητα η οποία είναι θετικά κατασκευασμένη, προσεγμένη και ανά πάσα στιγμή διαθέσιμη μέσω των δημόσιων προφίλ στα ΜΚΔ. Αν και τα διάφορα προφίλ συνήθως απεικονίζουν σε ένα βαθμό τον πραγματικό εαυτό των χρηστών (Back κ.ά., 2010), δίνεται κυρίως έμφαση στις θετικές πλευρές της ζωής τους (Chou & Edge, 2012;Vogel & Rose, 2016). Τα άτομα υιοθετούν διαφορετικές συμπεριφορές και εμφάνιση γύρω από τους άλλους προκειμένου να ελέγξουν την εικόνα που βγάζουν προς τα έξω αλλά και να δημιουργήσουν μια θετική εντύπωση, κερδίζοντας ανταμοιβές. ...
This study explores the psychological effects of social media, focusing on the phenomena of Fear of Missing Out (FOMO), social comparison, and media fatigue. Using a qualitative phenomenological approach, the research examines the experiences of 10 young adults (aged 21-23) regarding their relationship with social media and its psychological consequences. The findings indicate that social media could intensify social comparison among individuals, encouraging the construction of a carefully curated digital identity, and heightening levels of anxiety due to the fear of missing out possible experiences and opportunities. Additionally, the overload of information and the constant need to stay connected online all the time may lead to emotional exhaustion and media fatigue. This study discusses the implications of these effects on psychological well-being and suggests potential strategies for a more balanced use of social media. Individuals should be able to use new social technologies in a functional and life-promoting way, and it is a challenge for modern psychologists to assist individuals and groups in this direction. This is not a matter of debate, as it is given today that technology, social media, and artificial intelligence are now an integral part of the post-human, postdigital, condition.
... As the wife of a well-known in uencer, she faced increased external pressure to conform to societal expectations. Research has found that individuals with BPD often experience heightened distress from social media exposure, where constant comparisons and external judgment amplify feelings of inadequacy (Chou & Edge, 2012). Her paranoia and emotional instability may have been further heightened by the fear of online criticism and public perception. ...
Background: Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is marked by emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, unstable relationships, and fear of abandonment. Marriage, instead of providing stability, can worsen symptoms due to emotional stress and interpersonal conflicts. Understanding BPD in newly married individuals is essential for effective treatment. Case Presentation : A 19-year-old newly married woman presented with repeated self-harm, emotional instability, and impulsivity, worsened by conflicts with her husband’s family. A history of childhood trauma and parental loss contributed to her distress. She exhibited a dysphoric mood, constricted affect, and persecutory delusions. Diagnosed with BPD and comorbid depression, she was treated with Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), SSRIs, and family psychoeducation. Discussion: This case highlights how early trauma, rigid family structures, and social pressures can exacerbate BPD. Marriage became a stressor due to perceived rejection and heightened emotional reactivity. Public scrutiny and social media exposure further intensified her distress. Conclusion: A multimodal approach combining DBT, pharmacotherapy, and family support is crucial for managing BPD during life transitions. Early intervention and emotional validation can improve stability and relationship dynamics.
... The content offered by short videos is closely related to an individual's experiences, reinforcing these experiences and increasing the risk of addiction. Secondly, individuals who focus on the past tend to derive their personal identity through social comparison, and the high social interactivity of short video platforms amplifies this social comparison effect (Chou and Edge, 2012;Hao et al., 2023). Individuals can obtain self-affirmation by watching others' content, which in turn increases the frequency of short video consumption. ...
Background
Short video addiction has become increasingly prevalent among college students. It can negatively impact their physical and mental health, yet its influencing factors and underlying mechanisms require further exploration. Time focus and self-control are recognized as critical determinants in shaping addictive behaviors.
Objective
Grounded in the I-PACE theory, this study examines the relationship between emotional and cognitive responses (various temporal focuses and dual systems of self-control) and short video addiction, while also investigating the mediating roles of inhibitory and initiation control.
Methods
Methodologically, it integrates both variable-centered and person-centered approaches, utilizing the Time Focus Scale, Multidimensional Self-Control Scale, and Short Video Addiction Scale. A total of 2,239 university students participated in the survey.
Results
The results revealed the following: (1) Past and present time focus were positively correlated with short video addiction, while future time focus showed a negative correlation. Inhibitory self-control was positively associated with short video addiction, whereas initiatory self-control was negatively correlated. Variable-centered analysis demonstrated that past and present time focus positively predicted short video addiction, with inhibitory self-control mediating the relationship between these time orientations and addiction. Conversely, initiatory self-control played a mediating role between future time focus and addiction risk, with a negative predictive effect on the likelihood of short video addiction. (2) Person-centered analysis identified four categories of short video addiction: non-addicted (12.68%), low-risk addiction (34.21%), moderate-risk addiction (42.20%), and high-risk addiction (10.89%). (3) Logistic regression analysis indicated that students with excessive past and present time focus were more likely to fall into the high-risk addiction category, while those employing inhibitory self-control strategies were more likely to be categorized into low, moderate, or high-risk addiction groups. Students utilizing initiatory self-control were less likely to develop high-risk addiction. Female students were more likely than male students to fall into the low, moderate, or high addiction categories, and only children were more likely to belong to the moderate or high-risk addiction categories than non-only children.
Conclusion
This study emphasizes the pivotal role of time focus and dual-system self-control in the intervention and prevention of short video addiction,further highlighting the role of emotional and cognitive responses in the development of short-video addiction. The implications of the findings, as well as the limitations of the study, are also discussed.
... Specifically, when social media is used as a tool for frequent and repeated comparisons in terms of interpersonal relationships, career success, wealth accumulation, quality of life, or social status, persistent negative comparisons may undermine an individual's emotional well-being and self-identity. This can lead to depression, negative self-perception, and a diminished sense of well-being, 58,59 which individuals may attempt to cope with through maladaptive or deviant behaviors, such as excessive mobile phone use. 60 Over time, this can escalate into uncontrollable addictive behaviors. ...
Purpose
Mobile phone addiction threatens individuals’ physiological, psychological, and social functions, particularly among college students. While existing theories suggest a strong link between self-esteem and mobile phone addiction, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. This study aims to examine the relationship between self-esteem and mobile phone addiction in Chinese college students, exploring the chain mediation effects of online upward social comparison and social anxiety.
Participants and Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted using an offline questionnaire survey with 789 Chinese college students, employing convenience sampling in Shaanxi Province, China. Four validated instruments were employed: Self-Esteem Scale, Mobile Phone Addiction Index, Online Upward Social Comparison Scale, and Social Anxiety Scale. Descriptive analysis, correlation analysis, and mediation testing were performed to analyze the data.
Results
The results showed that self-esteem influences mobile phone addiction through three pathways: (1) self-esteem → online upward social comparison → mobile phone addiction, with a 95% confidence interval of [−0.048, −0.010], indicating a significant mediation effect (effect value = −0.027, accounting for 14.86% of the total effect); (2) self-esteem → social anxiety → mobile phone addiction, with a 95% confidence interval of [−0.182, −0.106], indicating a significant mediation effect (effect value = −0.143, accounting for 78.57% of the total effect); (3) self-esteem → online upward social comparison → social anxiety → mobile phone addiction, with a 95% confidence interval of [−0.016, −0.003], suggesting a significant mediation effect (effect value = −0.009, accounting for 4.95% of the total effect).
Conclusion
These findings indicate that online upward social comparison and social anxiety serially mediate the relationship between self-esteem and mobile phone addiction. The study reveals how self-esteem contributes to mobile phone addiction among college students and provides insights for prevention and intervention strategies.
... Ele também representa um manancial de desconforto e sofrimento psíquicos. Estudos empíricos atestam que, ao cotejar nossa imagem com a de nossos semelhantes, as redes sociais geram a percepção de que eles são mais bem-sucedidos e felizes que nós (Chou & Edge, 2012), o que pode traduzir-se em inveja (Krasnova, Wenninger, Resumo: Este artigo de articulação teórica, ancorado em pesquisa bibliográfica, busca examinar a economia libidinal subjacente à governança exercida em plataformas algorítmicas. A ideia é investigar como essa governança consegue mobilizar psiquicamente os usuários e comprometê-los, então, com o funcionamento das plataformas. ...
Resumo Este artigo de articulação teórica, ancorado em pesquisa bibliográfica, busca examinar a economia libidinal subjacente à governança exercida em plataformas algorítmicas. A ideia é investigar como essa governança consegue mobilizar psiquicamente os usuários e comprometê-los, então, com o funcionamento das plataformas. Para tanto, aplicam-se formulações psicanalíticas de Freud e Lacan. Facetas mais gerais das plataformas são associadas a conceitos como os de objeto a, desejo, fantasia, pulsão e gozo. E certas espécies de comportamento nas plataformas, definidas como injunções de expressão, acumulação, visibilidade e normatividade, são vinculadas às pulsões parciais - respectivamente: oral, anal, escópica e invocante.
... Four studies in China, the US, and Serbia support this finding since they found that depressive symptoms are more frequent among problematic TikTok users [11][12][13][14]. Studies indicate that social media usage can have detrimental effects on emotional states, quality of life, and overall contentment [59][60][61]. For example, scrolling through social media platforms without actively interacting has been linked to reduced social bonds and heightened feelings of solitude and disconnection [62]. ...
Introduction: TikTok use is increasing, especially among children and adolescents. However, the negative effects of TikTok use have not been sufficiently investigated. Aim: To examine the association between TikTok use and anxiety, depression, and sleepiness in adolescents. Methods: We conducted a web-based cross-sectional study in Greece. We employed a convenience sample of 219 adolescents in Greece. All participants had a TikTok account. We used the TikTok Addiction Scale (TTAS) to measure TikTok use and the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4) to measure anxiety and depression. We constructed multivariable regression models, and we performed a stratified analysis according to gender. Results: The mean age was 18.5 years (standard deviation: 0.5, range: 18 to 19). In our sample, 81.3% were girls and 18.7% were boys. Mean daily TikTok usage and TTAS scores were statistically higher for girls than for boys. Our multivariable linear regression analysis was adjusted for age and showed that problematic TikTok use was associated with higher levels of anxiety and depression symptoms in both genders. In particular, we found a positive association between mood modification and anxiety score (beta = 0.404, p-value = 0.006). Moreover, we found a positive association between conflict and depression score (beta = 0.472, p-value < 0.001). Additionally, we found that the impact of TikTok on anxiety and depression was greater among boys than girls. We also found that problematic TikTok use was associated with increased sleepiness in both genders (mood modification: beta = 0.655, p-value < 0.001; conflict: beta = 0.674, p-value < 0.001). Conclusions: Our findings showed a positive association between TikTok use and anxiety, depression, and sleepiness. Early identification of problematic TikTok users is essential to promote their mental health and well-being. Healthcare professionals should be alert to recognize symptoms of problematic TikTok use.
... First, numerous studies have demonstrated that social media fosters upward social comparison, where users evaluate themselves against others who seem more successful or happier, often resulting in feelings of inadequacy and pressure (Chou and Edge, 2012;. Consequently, digital hoarders may develop a cognitive Mindfulness moderates the relationship between digital hoarding and cognitive failures. ...
Introduction
Digital hoarding is defined as the persistent accumulation of digital content and an unwillingness to delete it. This behavior has been found to be particularly prevalent among young people. This study aims to explore the impact of digital hoarding on cognitive failures, examining fatigue as a mediator and mindfulness as a moderator.
Method
A total of 801 participants were recruited to complete a survey that contained measures of digital hoarding, fatigue, mindfulness, and cognitive failures. The hypothesized moderated mediation model was tested using Models 4 and 8 from the PROCESS macro in SPSS.
Results
(1) Digital hoarding positively predicted cognitive failures. (2) Fatigue mediated the relationship between digital hoarding and cognitive failures. (3) Mindfulness moderated both the direct effect of digital hoarding on cognitive failures and the first segment of the mediating role of fatigue.
Discussion
This study contributes to a deeper understanding of digital hoarding. It also highlights the great potential of mindfulness in mitigating the negative effects of digital hoarding, and provides students with practical strategies for developing healthier and more balanced digital habits.
... Using digital technologies, children and youth can present themselves through photos, videos, texts, and arts (Boz et al., 2016). They also allow young people to express their emotions and opinions online (Chou & Edge, 2012). ...
... Social pressures and ideal representation are seen in adolescents when they often compare themselves to digitally constructed social standards, thus affecting their self-esteem and mental health (Chou and Edge, 2012). While the phenomenon of hyperconnectivity occurs even though connected all the time, the quality of the relationship is often not deep, thus reinforcing emotional loneliness (Turkle, 2011). ...
In the 21st century, advancements in digital technology have reshaped social structures and behaviors, particularly among adolescents navigating identity formation. This study explores the phenomenon of digital loneliness in adolescents through the lens of existentialism, a philosophy centered on life’s meaning and individual freedom in social contexts. While digital communication offers convenience, many adolescents experience alienation due to superficial and shallow interactions. Although technology enables the creation of virtual identities, it often limits the authenticity of interpersonal relationships. This research reveals that reliance on social media can lead to feelings of loneliness and inauthenticity. However, with awareness of individual responsibility and mindful use of technology, adolescents can foster meaningful relationships and discover purpose in their digital existence, making existentialism both relevant and practical.
... Social media not only influences relationships through direct interaction but also by shaping individuals' perceptions of what relationships should look like. The constant exposure to idealized versions of relationships-whether through celebrities, influencers, or peers-can create unrealistic expectations for romantic and platonic relationships (Chou & Edge, 2012). Social media often emphasizes grand gestures, picture-perfect moments, and constant affirmation of love, which may lead users to believe that these elements are essential for a successful relationship. ...
Social media platforms have transformed the way we communicate and build relationships. While they offer opportunities for connection, they also have potential downsides. This chapter explores social media addiction, which involves compulsive use of platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, and its negative impact on real-life relationships. The causes of addiction include seeking instant gratification, fear of missing out (FOMO) and comparing oneself to others. The consequences range from strained communication in romantic and family relationships to reduced emotional intelligence and professional conflicts. However, individuals can reduce these negative effects by setting boundaries, using social media mindfully, and improving communication to prioritize healthier, real-world connections.
... The intersection of social media and parenting is evident in how digital platforms enhance the flow of information and connect parents to a wealth of resources. Chou and Edge (2012) note that social media fosters a culture of shared experiences, enabling parents to access peer support and advice on child-rearing challenges. Madge and O'Connor (2006) highlight the role of online parenting communities as safe spaces for exchanging ideas and insights, particularly for those navigating unique cultural or socio-economic contexts. ...
This study examines the challenges posed by Problematic Social Media Use (PSMU) on parenting in Nigeria, while recognizing social media’s positive potential as a platform for knowledge sharing, education, and improved family communication. Drawing from Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory, the research investigates how excessive and compulsive social media use disrupts traditional parenting practices, neglects responsibilities, and exposes children to online risks. The methodology employs a combination of systematic and narrative approaches, integrating structured literature review and qualitative accounts to explore the socio-cultural and moral dimensions of PSMU within the Nigerian context. The findings reveal that there are dangers to compulsive involvement in social media platforms, it can also enrich parenting by providing access to valuable resources and maintaining family connections, particularly in situations of physical separation. Two key recommendations emerge from this analysis: first, parents should set clear boundaries for social media usage and prioritize offline family interactions to strengthen bonds and minimize risks. Second, policymakers should implement digital literacy programs and promote awareness campaigns to encourage responsible social media use and ensure children’s online safety. The study advocates for a balanced approach to social media use that maximizes its benefits while mitigating its drawbacks to foster healthier parenting practices in a digital age.
... Four studies in China, US and Serbia supports this finding since they found that depressive symptoms are more frequent among problematic TikTok users [6][7][8][9]. Studies indicate that social media usage can have detrimental effects on emotional state, quality of life, and overall contentment [41][42][43]. For example, scrolling through social media platforms without actively interacting has been linked to reduce social bonds and heightened feelings of solitude and disconnection [44]. ...
TikTok use is increasing especially among children and adolescents. However, the negative effects of TikTok use have not been sufficiently investigated. Thus, the aim of our study was to examine the association between TikTok use and anxiety, depression, and sleepiness in adolescents. We conducted a web-based cross-sectional study in Greece. We employed a convenience sample of adolescents in Greece. We used the TikTok Addiction Scale (TTAS) to measure TikTok use, and the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4) to measure anxiety and depression. We constructed multivariable regression models, and we performed stratified analysis according to gender. Mean daily TikTok usage and TTAS score was statistically higher for girls than boys. Our multivariable analysis showed that the problematic TikTok use was associated with higher levels of anxiety and depression symptoms in both genders. Additionally, we found that the impact of TikTok on anxiety and depression was higher among boys than girls. We found that problematic TikTok use was associated with increased sleepiness in both genders. Our findings showed the positive association between TikTok use and anxiety, depression, and sleepiness. Considering our study limitations and the limited number of studies on this field, future studies are necessary to produce more valid results.
... However, this relationship is not unidirectional; students may use social media excessively because they are looking for social interaction and approval, which may not happen, online communication may lead to the misleading impression of the physical and personality traits of other users. Others might be overusing social media because of fear of missing out, all of which again makes users more stressed, anxious or depressed (Chou & Edge, 2012;Andreassen et al.;, Shensa et al., 2017: Atroszko et al. 2018. ...
Today's youth are also called “digital natives” because they have not experienced life without the Internet. The rise of social networks has revolutionized communication methods and led to increased screen time among the youth. Despite its many benefits, excessive use of social networks can have negative effects on daily routines, school performance and mental health.
While evidence suggest that positive school climate is associated with fewer risky behaviours and less mental health problems in real life, there is a growing interest in understanding whether these benefits also apply to behaviours and outcomes within the digital realm. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship among school climate, depression, anxiety and stress and compulsive social media use in high school students. A cohort of 3621 second-year high school students participated in the study, of which 46% were male, 51% were female, and 3% did not
want to declare their gender. The following questionnaires were used in the research: Croatian school climate questionnaire, DAS (depression, anxiety, and stress) scale and Compulsive social media use scale. The results showed that school climate is a significant negative predictor of compulsive social media use, and that depression and stress are significant positive predictors
of compulsive social media use. Also, a significant mediating role of depression and stress in the relationship between school climate and compulsive social media use was obtained. Thus, a positive school climate is related to fewer symptoms of depression and stress, which is related to less compulsive social media use.
... Social comparison is another detrimental effect associated with social media use. Chou and Edge (2012) found that children often compare their lives to the idealized representations of others on social media, which can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-worth. This phenomenon is particularly pronounced among adolescents, who are more susceptible to external validation and peer influence (Twenge & Campbell, 2018). ...
This research paper explores the impact of social media on children's social skills and emotional health in the digital age. With over 90% of teenagers actively using platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok, understanding the implications of this digital engagement is crucial. The study highlights both the positive and negative effects of social media, noting that while it can enhance communication skills, foster creativity, and provide supportive online communities, it also poses significant risks such as cyberbullying, social comparison, and addiction. Through a mixed-methods approach involving quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews, the research investigates the correlation between social media usage and the development of face-to-face social skills, as well as its association with anxiety and depression levels among children aged 8 to 15. The findings reveal a significant negative correlation between increased social media use and face-to-face social skills, alongside higher levels of anxiety and depression among frequent users. Conversely, positive interactions on social media are shown to enhance emotional well-being, and educational content consumption correlates with better emotional health outcomes. The paper emphasizes the need for parental and educational guidance to promote healthy online habits and mitigate the adverse effects of social media. It identifies gaps in existing research, particularly regarding the long-term impacts of social media on social skills and emotional health, and calls for further studies to explore these dynamics across diverse demographics. Ultimately, the research aims to inform strategies for fostering a balanced relationship with social media, ensuring children's well-being in an increasingly digital world.
... For one thing, individuals may feel stressed due to information and communication overload on the internet (Thomée et al., 2011). For another, social comparisons amplified by social media may bring stress to those who feel disadvantaged (Chou & Edge, 2012). Perceived stress can then affect the body's stress response system, leading to an increased secretion of stress hormones such as cortisol, which are associated with a higher risk of developing depression (Nikkheslat et al., 2020). ...
With the popularity of smartphones, their impact on the physical and mental health of left-behind adolescents has become the focus of social attention. Some believe that smartphone use will provide emotional compensation for left-behind adolescents, while others believe that the lack of supervision of smartphone use among left-behind adolescents will exacerbate their psychological problems. To explore the mechanisms of the dual effects, we conducted a field survey of 848 left-behind adolescents (male = 446, age between 12 and 19) in Shicheng County in Gannan Region of China. It was found that social smartphone use, recreational smartphone use, frequency, and duration of smartphone use, mediated by smartphone dependence, were positively associated with social anxiety, stress perception, and sleep disorder, and further with depression of left-behind adolescents. Although social uses of smartphones were positively associated with online social support, they were not related to loneliness and depression. Based on our results, left-behind adolescents’ smartphone use habits have shown more harmful than good effects on their psychological well-being.
... Individuals using Facebook for extended periods may perceive life as unfair and believe that others lead happier, more fulfilling lives (Chou and Edge, 2012). This perception contributes to a generalized anxiety that others may be experiencing positive events from which one is excluded. ...
Purpose
This study examines the relationship between social networking sites addiction and pro-social behavior, considering the increasing importance of social networking sites in daily life. It explores the mediating role of Fear of Missing Out in this relationship and investigates the moderating role of basic psychological need satisfaction.
Research design, data, and methodology
This study employed a snowball sampling method to conduct an online survey among social network users in China. The proposed model was tested using regression analysis to interpret the results.
Results
Findings indicate a negative predictive effect of social networking sites addiction on prosocial behavior. Misplaced fear partially mediates this relationship. Basic psychological need satisfaction significantly moderates the mediating effect of Fear of Missing Out on the relationship between SNS addiction and prosocial behavior.
Practical implications
This study provides strategies for effectively preventing social networking sites addiction in real-world settings and mitigating its negative impact on individuals’ physical and mental health. It suggests interventions at four levels—individual, school, society, and government—to enhance basic psychological need satisfaction, thereby improving prosocial behavior and facilitating the promotion of interpersonal interactions and the equitable, harmonious development of society.
... When they view others' actions, they may think about how they can improve themselves. This explains that social comparison can help adolescents learn about themselves and increase motivation to self-improve and self-evaluation [5]. This will help them to be more confident in their relationships with others. ...
This article focuses on adolescents’ social anxiety related to social media. Social anxiety plays a significant role in social media in adolescents’ lives. The literature review examines a multitude of factors that contribute to the development and exacerbation of social anxiety among adolescents who are deeply immersed in the digital realm. Multiple factors contribute to social anxiety, including self-presentation and body image issues, where unrealistic ideals on social media can lower self-worth and cause dissatisfaction; social comparison, which can reduce self-esteem; fear of missing out, leading to inadequacy and anxiety; cyberbullying, which causes victims to be embarrassed and fear of social interactions, and isolation. Also emphasizes the importance of helping adolescents avoid negative social media impacts and build social confidence, suggesting measures like mindfulness and a healthy lifestyle. Future research should focus on the long-term effects of phenomena and interventions, requiring comprehensive, extended studies for insights into sustainability and impact. Identifying and refining effective interventions is key, involving rigorous experimental designs like randomized trials and longitudinal studies to ensure lasting benefits. Interdisciplinary collaboration is essential for integrating diverse expertise and achieving robust solutions.
The psychological impact of social media has long been of interest and numerous studies have been conducted. In particular, it has recently been pointed out that in the process of viewing positive content posted by other users, they may compare it with their own lives and experience negative feelings. This chapter introduce the findings that such negative effects of social media are also observed among working adults who gather information for career development. Furthermore, this chapter focuses on companionship and self-concept clarity as factors necessary to mitigate these effects, and discusses how to overcome the negative effects of SNS based on the findings of previous studies.
Social media has revolutionized communication, reshaping interpersonal interactions, information dissemination, and societal norms. This paper examines the profound impact of social media platforms on human relationships, business strategies, and socio-political movements. By analyzing relevant literature and real-world case studies, we explore both the benefits and challenges posed by social media in the digital age. The findings highlight the dual nature of social media—bridging distances while sometimes fostering misinformation and digital addiction. Keywords : Social Media, Digital Communication, Society, Information Dissemination, Misinformation, Online Engagement
People across the globe are actively participating in online groups due to excessive usage of social media as channel of communication and data exchange. Also, due to social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook social communication has seen a considerable increase. Social media's emergence has revolutionized how people talk to one another and engage with the world. However, there is mounting apprehension regarding the potential repercussions of social networking sites on mental welfare. This paper examines the effect of social networking sites on mental health from a social informatics perspective. Drawing on theories and concepts from social informatics, this paper explores the social, cultural, and technological factors that influence the connection between social networks consumption and psychological health. The paper discusses the possible risks and benefits of social media usage and offers commendations for designing social media platforms that promote psychological health and wellbeing.
Growing up is rarely easy, yet adolescents and young adults today are reporting distress at rates never seen before. We propose this trend can be traced to societal forces that accelerate and suppress development, resulting in developmental anxiety (i.e., worry about meeting adult milestones on time, if ever). Drawing on foundational theories from developmental and family sciences, we introduce hurries and waits as umbrella terms for these simultaneous and contradictory forces and explain how developmental anxiety may arise from the tension they place on young people. We next identify strengths that both young people and their families can use to navigate hurry–wait tension, and close with an agenda for future research. This updated, systems‐based lens on the transition to adulthood prepares the field to help young people achieve the fulfilling adult life that previous generations looked forward to with greater promise.
Introducción: Los medios sociales son los más populares entre los jóvenes: se identifican con los contenidos y sienten que forman parte de un colectivo. Se analizan los contenidos de los principales influencers en España y Chile para saber: 1) de qué hablan e identificar si se trata de contenidos informacionales, educativos o de entretenimiento, 2) determinar su calidad y si, eventualmente, propician la desinformación y tienden a la banalización; y 3) reflexionar sobre la calidad de los contenidos y cómo pueden afectar en la configuración de la dieta mediática de los jóvenes. Metodología: Se analizan 12 cuentas de influencers en Instagram, TikTok y YouTube a través de 439 contenidos. Se propone un análisis comparativo de contenido que combina el método cualitativo y el cuantitativo. Resultados: Los influencers hablan de una gran variedad de temas, pero priorizan exponer su vida personal desde la vertiente del entretenimiento. Se constata la escasa calidad de los contenidos, que tienden a la banalización. Discusión: La investigación presenta como novedad que se fija en la calidad de los contenidos (más allá de los temas de los que se habla) y en cómo pueden influir en sus seguidores. Conclusiones: Identificar esta trivialización de los contenidos puede contribuir a desarrollar políticas públicas y programas formativos en alfabetización mediática y fomentar la regulación y autorregulación de contenidos en los medios sociales, por el impacto en la salud mental de los jóvenes, que están construyendo su identidad.
Pelaksanaan kegiatan untuk siswa siswa-siwi SMKN 1 Gambut. ini dapat dikatakan berhasil sampai tahap penyuluhan atau edukasi tentang cerdas menggunaan media sosial. Keberhasilan ini ditunjukkan oleh adanya respon yang positif dari peserta mengingat kegiatan pengabdian merupakan kebutuhan siswa dalam rangka peningkatan pemahaman penggunaan media sosial tentang cara cerdas menggunakan media sosial. Keberhasilan ini tercermin dari respons positif yang diberikan oleh peserta, yang menunjukkan adanya antusiasme dan keterlibatan aktif siswa dalam kegiatan tersebut. Keberhasilan ini juga didukung oleh fakta bahwa kegiatan pengabdian ini memenuhi kebutuhan nyata siswa dalam rangka meningkatkan pemahaman mereka tentang risiko dan manfaat media sosial, serta cara memanfaatkannya untuk tujuan yang produktif dan positif. Respon positif ini juga mencerminkan bahwa siswa menyadari pentingnya literasi digital dalam kehidupan sehari-hari mereka, sehingga dapat menjadi dasar bagi mereka untuk lebih bijak dalam menggunakan media sosial di masa depan.
Muslims in Europe and North America have been under scrutiny since 9/11 and have faced numerous barriers to attain financial stability, media visibility, and political representation. From the occupation of lands, the world has entered the era of the occupation of minds. State strategies have evolved to offer a dangerous gamble to people from post-colonial diasporas: remain at the margins or silently blend in for the sake of an illusory liberation. Power-hungry Muslim politicians in elite private clubs, politically apathetic social media influencers, multi-million-pound neo-colonial ‘humanitarian’ charities, Muslim far-right sympathizers, and Muslim white supremacists are examples of metacolonialism, turning the oppressed into the new oppressors. Under the promise of financial stability and representation, it has effectively put God for sale at the cost of people’s culture, ethics, identity, and faith. However, in the wake of social justice movements, Muslim activists, artists, and community organizers in Britain have crafted creative responses inspired by their faith in order to resist, heal, and flourish despite minimal resources and support. Informal and independent from institutions, they have established pioneering alternatives in the fields of mental health, community organizing, the protection of the environment, heritage, the arts, and more. Since leadership divides, they have undertaken a duty of stewardship: considering the world and humanity as a one ecosystem that one needs to care for future generation. This work is both a diagnosis and a toolkit looking at the initiatives that reshape public debates and offering working ideas for building a fair and just society.
The Women’s Reservation Bill, enacted on 21 September 2023, mandated 33% seat reservations for women in the Lok Sabha (Parliament) and Vidhan Sabha (State legislative assemblies). This is a good sign for women’s empowerment in India. Digital literacy has also increased in recent years in women. Researchers have spent the last 20 years attempting to determine how social media use affects a person’s mental health, but social media platforms are growing quickly, rapidly making their places in the lives of adolescents at a fast pace. Consequently, there is a large disparity in the literature and social media now in use, and research is swiftly becoming out of date.
Social media is a unique tool to facilitate the social needs of individuals. The desire to connect, share experiences, and expand social networks is inherent; however, when this desire transforms into a quest for universal approval, exhaustive comparison, and constant validation, it can have detrimental consequences. Although exposure to social media is important, it is essential to have proper instructions for its usage. Social media provides a diverse platform with various users and content; at the same time, it introduces challenges related to the overwhelming desire for social validation and social comparison.
This chapter summarizes how social media usage impacts girls’ subjective well-being. It explores the tendency of social comparison among girls on social media. Platforms like Instagram, YouTube Shorts, TikTok, and Snapchat are very popular among girls, especially youth. This chapter explores the psychological implications of incessant comparison, exploring how the curated online lives of others can influence self-perception and contribute to variations in subjective well-being. It provides a review of existing literature relevant to the topic . Suggestions are given on the effectiveness of the use of social media among girls, along with a discussion of its contribution to women’s empowerment.
Social media has become an inseparable part of Gen Z's daily life. However, despite its benefits, exposure to negative content on social media can adversely affect mental health. This study aims to analyze the extent to which exposure to negative content influences Gen Z's mental health. The research employs a quantitative approach by surveying 300 respondents aged 18–25 in Indonesia. The findings reveal a significant correlation between exposure to negative content, such as cyberbullying, fake news, and body shaming, and higher levels of anxiety, depression, and stress. This article provides insights for policymakers and society to create a healthier social media ecosystem, emphasizing the importance of digital literacy, content moderation, and stricter regulations to mitigate harmful content exposure.
Social network dependence refers to the behaviour where individuals pay excessive attention to social networks, leading to negative physiological and psychological consequences. This study intended to explore the relationships and mechanisms of internalized homonegativity, sexual orientation concealment, expectations of rejection, self‐esteem and social network dependence among young Chinese gay men. A web sample of 510 young Chinese gay men completed a self‐report questionnaire on internalized homonegativity, sexual orientation concealment, expectations of rejection, self‐esteem and social network dependence. The results showed that internalized homonegativity was positively correlated with social network dependence. The associations between internalized homonegativity and social network dependence were mediated by sexual orientation concealment, expectations of rejection and self‐esteem. In addition, sexual orientation concealment and self‐esteem played a chain mediation role between internalized homonegativity and social network dependence, and expectations of rejection and self‐esteem played a sequential mediation role between internalized homonegativity and social network dependence. The study is conducive to understanding the contributing factors and mechanisms of social network dependence.
This research discusses the role of Instagram in the process of forming self-identity in adolescents. As a visual-based platform, Instagram provides a space for individuals to express themselves, where users can build, create, modify and present their work to a wide audience. The main aim of this research is to examine how social media, especially Instagram, contributes to the formation of teenagers’ self-identity using a literature review method. This type of research focuses on reviewing relevant articles regarding the role of Instagram in the formation of adolescent identity, which were published in scientific journals between 2012 and 2024. The selection of articles was carried out based on the theory of symbolic interaction which is the basis of the study. The research results show that Instagram plays a significant role in supporting the process of adolescent identity formation. This role includes facilitating the exploration of self-identity, strengthening the relationship between self-identity and society, as well as the function of Instagram as a connecting media that helps teenagers develop their self-identity better and more broadly.
A key question about social media use is whether it constitutes an addiction. A possible frame of reference to investigate this question is the Incentive Sensitizations Theory (IST), as it provides a solid empirical background to understand the motivational and hedonic aspects of problematic behaviors. A central assumption of IST that addiction-related cues play a pivotal role in addictive behaviors has remained relatively understudied in the context of social media use. Given that social media platforms are multifaceted applications, the aim of this study was to explore motivational and hedonic responses associated with cues from different features of Facebook and their correlation with problematic use, analyzing survey data of 1436 respondents. The study primary focused on (1) the relationship between Facebook usage time/frequency, wanting and liking, and problematic use, and (2) the wanting and liking of 10 different Facebook notifications and their correlation to problematic use. Results aligned with predictions of IST, showing a positive correlation between wanting and usage time/frequency and problematic use, while marginal and inconsistent correlation was found with liking. Various Facebook functions contribute differently to its addictive potential, with social-communication features having the highest and general information features the lowest impact. In summary, the findings indicate that excessive Facebook use is primarily driven by compulsive tendencies rather than positive emotions. Although this study doesn’t conclusively determine if Facebook use can turn into an addiction, it appears that there are strikingly similar dynamics to substance use within the self-reported reflection of the motivational and hedonic systems.
Media sosial telah menjadi bagian integral dari kehidupan remaja modern, menawarkan berbagai manfaat seperti peningkatan keterhubungan sosial, akses informasi, dan peluang kreativitas. Namun, dampak negatifnya juga signifikan, termasuk gangguan psikologis, perilaku adiktif, cyberbullying, dan penurunan kesehatan fisik. Berdasarkan analisis data dari penelitian terkini, dampak media sosial sangat bergantung pada pola penggunaan, jenis konten, dan dukungan sosial dari lingkungan. Literasi digital muncul sebagai intervensi penting untuk memaksimalkan manfaat sekaligus meminimalkan risiko media sosial bagi remaja. Esai ini mengeksplorasi dampak tersebut melalui analisis yang didukung oleh data lapangan dan penelitian ilmiah terbaru.
The purpose of this study was to investigate online social comparison and impostor phenomenon (IP) in undergraduate music education students. In Phase 1, participants provided demographic information and completed measures of online social comparison, Facebook use, and the Clance Impostor Phenomenon Scale (CIPS). Facebook social comparison emerged as the only significant predictor of IP in participants accounting for 13.3% of the variance in CIPS scores. In Phase 2, I conducted focus groups to investigate participants’ perceptions of how they engaged in online social comparison. I identified four themes in the data: (a) comparing to peers online, (b) using Facebook for professional purposes, (c) psychological effects of online comparison, and (d) withdrawing from social media to avoid adverse effects. The findings provide insight for music teacher educators into how online social interactions among students may influence music educator identity and well-being during the undergraduate degree.
Objetivo: determinar la relación entre la adicción a redes sociales y las dificultades interpersonales en estudiantes de 4to y 5to de secundaria. Materiales y métodos: estudio de alcance correlacional y diseño no experimental con corte transversal. La muestra estuvo conformada por 126 escolares de 4to y 5to de secundaria de ambos sexos de un colegio público de San Martin de Porres, quienes fueron encuestados a través de un censo. Los instrumentos fueron el Cuestionario de adicción a redes sociales (ARS) y el Cuestionario de dificultades interpersonales (CEDIA) y una ficha sociodemográfica. Resultados: No se encontró asociación entre la adicción a redes sociales y las dificultades interpersonales (p=0.39), sin embargo, se observó relación entre la dimensión uso excesivo con la dimensión hablar en público (p=0.00) y el tiempo de conexión (p=0.00); asi también, entre la dimensión dificultades en las relaciones con el otro sexo y el sexo (p=0.01). Conclusiones: Las redes sociales pueden contribuir a la percepcion que tienen otros con respecto a los adolescentes, sin embargo, su uso excesivo se realiza muchas veces a expensas de interacciones presenciales, lo que podría contribuir a una merma de sus habilidades comunicativas, como hablar en público y al relacionarse con el sexo opuesto.
The current research investigates the determinants of information avoidance in the use of mobile social applications (apps) from a social comparison perspective. It specifically examines how cognitive dissonance, emotional exhaustion, and gender differences shape the comparison process, ultimately leading to information avoidance. An online survey with 458 app users was conducted to collect data. Structural equation modeling with partial least squares (PLS-SEM) was employed to empirically test our proposed model. The findings indicate that social comparison serves as a significant source of cognitive dissonance and emotional exhaustion, which in turn lead to information avoidance within mobile social apps. Furthermore, gender differences positively moderate the relationship between social comparison and emotional exhaustion, with the effect being stronger for women than for men. This study enhances the understanding of information avoidance through the lens of social comparison by examining both cognitive and emotional dimensions. Additionally, it analyzes gender differences in social comparison, providing a more comprehensive view of how men and women engage with and are affected by comparison processes.
This study explored the impact of social media, particularly WhatsApp and Facebook, on teacher-parent communication, student performance, and data privacy in primary schools in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The study focused on primary schools in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The sample included 160 teachers, 300 students, and 300 parents from primary schools in Riyadh. A mixed-methods approach, combining surveys and interviews, was used to collect data. Questionnaires were administered to teachers, students, and parents to collect quantitative information about social media use, student satisfaction, student performance, and data privacy issues. Interviews were conducted with a subset of participants to gain more in-depth information about their experiences and admissions. Expressive measures and inferential tests (t-tests, ANOVA), and partial least squares auxiliary state modeling (PLS-SEM) were used to analyze the data and test for associations between factors. The study found a significant positive relationship between WhatsApp use and teacher-parent communication satisfaction. There was also a direct positive relationship between communication satisfaction and student performance. However, concerns about data confidentiality were identified, Based on the findings, recommendations are made for schools, teachers, and policymakers to enhance communication between teachers and parents, improve student performance, and address data confidentiality concerns.
Social media has quickly become a significant part of adolescent life, enhancing communication and social interactions. However, its psychological effects, particularly related to aggression and loneliness, are increasingly concerning. This conceptual paper examines how social media use among adolescents may lead to higher levels of aggression and greater feelings of loneliness. It highlights the impact of online interactions, cyberbullying, and social comparison. By utilizing established theories such as social learning theory and social comparison theory, this paper provides a framework for understanding the potential mechanisms that contribute to these negative outcomes. Additionally, the paper advocates for the implementation of digital literacy education and interventions aimed at promoting healthier online behaviors among adolescents.
This paper explores the impact of excessive online self-presentation on social fatigue and the erosion of real-life social interactions. The phenomenon of the “virtual self,” shaped by curated online personas, fosters unrealistic expectations, emotional disconnection, and dependency on digital validation. Hyper-socialization and the cognitive load of maintaining idealized identities contribute to burnout and superficial relationships. The paper also examines cultural and societal norms that amplify or mitigate these challenges, highlighting the importance of offline engagement and authentic connections. Solutions include individual strategies such as digital mindfulness and systemic changes through platform design and policy interventions. By addressing these issues, the balance between virtual and real-world interactions can be restored, fostering healthier relationships and emotional well-being in a hyper-connected world.
Digital technologies have had disruptive effects on self, self-identity, community, race, and ethnicity imaginations. Where the conception of the digital communities have moved beyond the immediate geographic locations to group of networked persons across the geographies, race and ethnicity identification as such have also become sharper as evident from the increased identification of people with similar physical or racial attributes.
This paper examines social network size in contemporary Western society based on the exchange of Christmas cards. Maximum
network size averaged 153.5 individuals, with a mean network size of 124.9 for those individuals explicitly contacted; these
values are remarkably close to the group size of 150 predicted for humans on the basis of the size of their neocortex. Age,
household type, and the relationship to the individual influence network structure, although the proportion of kin remained
relatively constant at around 21%. Frequency of contact between network members was primarily determined by two classes of
variable: passive factors (distance, work colleague, overseas) and active factors (emotional closeness, genetic relatedness).
Controlling for the influence of passive factors on contact rates allowed the hierarchical structure of human social groups
to be delimited. These findings suggest that there may be cognitive constraints on network size.
164 undergraduates rated the degree to which various traits represented desirable characteristics and the degree to which it was possible for a person to exert control over each of these characteristics. From these initial ratings, 154 trait adjectives for which 4 levels of desirability were crossed with 2 levels of controllability were selected. 88 undergraduates then rated the degree to which each of these traits characterized the self and the average college student. Results support the prediction that self-ratings in relation to average college student ratings would be increasingly positive as traits increased in desirability and that in conditions of high desirability, self-ratings in relation to average college student ratings would be greater for high- than for low-controllable traits, whereas in conditions of low desirability the opposite would occur. Results are discussed in terms of the adaptive advantages of maintaining a global self-concept that implies that positive characteristics are under personal control and that negative characteristics are caused by factors outside of personal control. Mean preratings of desirability and controllability are appended. (29 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)
This article examines personal Web sites as a conspicuous form of consumer self-presentation. Using theories of self- presentation, possessions, and computer- mediated environments ( CMEs), we investigate the ways in which consumers construct identities by digitally associating themselves with signs, symbols, material objects, and places. Specifically, the issues of interest include why consumers create personal Web sites, what consumers want to communicate, what strategies they devise to achieve their goal of self- presentation, and how those Web space strategies compare to the self- presentation strategies of real life ( RL). The data reveal insights into the strategies behind constructing a digital self, projecting a digital likeness, digitally associating as a new form of possession, and reorganizing linear narrative structures.
This article examines how interaction by means of computer-mediated communication (CMC) affects the operation of both status differentials and power relations. The authors attempt to provide a corrective to the dominant assessment, particularly within social psychological analyses, that CMC tends to equalize status, decentralize and democratize decision making, and thus empower and liberate the individual user. This emphasis contrasts with sociological critiques employing the Foucauldian metaphor of the panopticon, claiming that power relations can actually be reinforced in CMC. The authors argue that prevailing conceptualizations of influence and power within social psychology have tended to prefigure the more optimistic account, and outline a theoretical framework in which processes of “panoptic power” in CMC are given a more concrete social psychological foundation.
It is widely held that computer‐mediated communication (CMC) filters out many of the social and affective cues associated with human interaction with consequent effects on communication outcomes and the medium's suitability for interpersonal tasks. The relationship between paralanguage and social perception in CMC in different social contexts is investigated in two experiments. In Study 1, it was hypothesized that there would be significant differences in subjects’ perceptions of anonymous communicators as a function of the paralinguistic content of the electronic mail messages they received. Subjects read three sets of messages containing different types of paralinguistic cues and a fourth set of control messages. They also completed a set of person‐perception rating scales in respect of each message sender. The hypothesis was supported for both novice electronic mail users and for experienced users drawn from a large telecommunications organization. In Study 2, subjects participated in group discussions over a CMCS under four conditions, manipulated in a 2 × 2 between‐subjects design. The salience of the task group was either high or low, and subjects were either de‐individuated (physically isolated and visually anonymous) or individuated (physically copresent and visually identifiable). From social identity theory, it was hypothesized that de‐individuated subjects for whom group identity had been made salient would evaluate users of paralanguage more positively than when group salience was low, in accordance with a social attraction response associated with perceptions of group identity. The hypothesis was supported. The results suggest that paralanguage is one means by which social information is communicated in CMC and that the meaning of paralinguistic marks is dependent on the group or individual context that is pre‐established for the communication. The studies, therefore, question earlier assumptions that the social context is dramatically reduced or eliminated in this medium. The implications of contextual effects for the use of CMC by work groups in organizations are discussed.
This investigation examined how computer-mediated communication (CMC) partners exchange personal information in initial interactions, focusing on the effects of communication channels on self-disclosure, question-asking, and uncertainty reduction. 158 unacquainted individuals (79 males and 79 females, aged 17-24 yrs) met either face-to-face or via CMC. Computer-mediated interactants exhibited a greater proportion of more direct and intimate uncertainty reduction behaviors than unmediated participants did, and demonstrated significantly greater gains in attributional confidence over the course of the conversations. The use of direct strategies by mediated interactants resulted in judgments of greater conversational effectiveness by partners. Results illuminate some microstructures previously asserted but unverified within social information processing theory (J. B. Walther, 1992), and extend uncertainty reduction theory (C. R. Berger and R. J. Calabrese, 1975) to CMC interaction. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)
our discussion of personal relationships and computer networks focuses on 3 issues of central concern / the 1st issue concerns how relationship research currently privileges certain types of relationships while neglecting others / describe relationships that have been observed in this new medium and identify a number of assumptions and biases underlying much social psychological theorizing that are common to both relationship research and media analyses / the 2nd issue is about the need for theoretical extensions to cover these under-studied relationships / argue that the study of on-line relationships throws up various challenges that are not easily met by the addition of some simple contingencies to current social psychological models of relationship processes / outline a model of situated social interaction that aims to recognize the constructionist dimensions of self, relationships, and technology, and give them a concrete social psychological grounding
aim to underline the importance of viewing all personal relationships as socially situated / argue that on-line communities provide a vivid illustration of how competence in manipulating technical artifacts is also implicated in the essentially social process of constructing personal relationships (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of “powerful” and “powerless” language on small computer-mediated groups. Subjects (n = 27) were placed into 1 of 3 conditions with 2 confederates and asked to communicate via computer in a decision-making context. In the first condition, both confederates used powerful language, in the second both used powerless language, and in the third condition one confederate used powerful language and the other used powerless language. Our results lead us to two general conclusions. First, language style has a significant impact on impression formation in computer-mediated groups. Generally, the user of a powerful language style in a computer-mediated group is perceived as more credible, attractive, and persuasive than the user of a powerless language style. Second, contrasting language styles caused perceptions to be more extreme than if users shared a common language style.
This research explores how cues deposited by social partners onto one’s online networking profile affect observers’ impressions of the profile owner. An experiment tested the relationships between both (a) what one’s associates say about a person on a social network site via “wall postings,” where friends leave public messages, and (b) the physical attractiveness of one’s associates reflected in the photos that accompany their wall postings on the attractiveness and credibility observers attribute to the target profile owner. Results indicated that profile owners’ friends’ attractiveness affected their own in an assimilative pattern. Favorable or unfavorable statements about the targets interacted with target gender: Negatively valenced messages about certain moral behaviors increased male profile owners’ perceived physical attractiveness, although they caused females to be viewed as less attractive.
The hyperpersonal model of computer-mediated communication (CMC) posits that users exploit the technological aspects of CMC in order to enhance the messages they construct to manage impressions and facilitate desired relationships. This research examined how CMC users managed message composing time, editing behaviors, personal language, sentence complexity, and relational tone in their initial messages to different presumed targets, and the cognitive awareness related to these processes. Effects on several of these processes and outcomes were obtained in response to different targets, partially supporting the hyperpersonal perspective of CMC, with unanticipated gender and status interaction effects suggesting behavioral compensation through CMC, or overcompensation when addressing presumably undesirable partners.
This study examines the relationship between use of Facebook, a popular online social network site, and the formation and maintenance of social capital. In addition to assessing bonding and bridging social capital, we explore a dimension of social capital that assesses one's ability to stay connected with members of a previously inhabited community, which we call maintained social capital. Regression analyses conducted on results from a survey of undergraduate students (N=286) suggest a strong association between use of Facebook and the three types of social capital, with the strongest relationship being to bridging social capital. In addition, Facebook usage was found to interact with measures of psychological well-being, suggesting that it might provide greater benefits for users experiencing low self-esteem and low life satisfaction.
A central feature of the online social networking system, Facebook, is the connection to and links among friends. The sum of the number of one's friends is a feature displayed on users' profiles as a vestige of the friend connections a user has accrued. In contrast to offline social networks, individuals in online network systems frequently accrue friends numbering several hundred. The uncertain meaning of friend status in these systems raises questions about whether and how sociometric popularity conveys attractiveness in non-traditional, non-linear ways. An experiment examined the relationship between the number of friends a Facebook profile featured and observers' ratings of attractiveness and extraversion. A curvilinear effect of sociometric popularity and social attractiveness emerged, as did a quartic relationship between friend count and perceived extraversion. These results suggest that an overabundance of friend connections raises doubts about Facebook users' popularity and desirability.
This study investigates self-presentation strategies among online dating participants, exploring how participants manage their online presentation of self in order to accomplish the goal of finding a romantic partner. Thirty-four individuals active on a large online dating site participated in telephone interviews about their online dating experiences and perceptions. Qualitative data analysis suggests that participants attended to small cues online, mediated the tension between impression management pressures and the desire to present an authentic sense of self through tactics such as creating a profile that reflected their “ideal self,” and attempted to establish the veracity of their identity claims. This study provides empirical support for Social Information Processing theory in a naturalistic context while offering insight into the complicated way in which “honesty” is enacted online.
This is the author's final draft of the paper published as Learning, Media and Technology, 2009, 34 (2), pp. 141-155. The final version is available from http://www.informaworld.com/smpp/content~db=all?content=10.1080/17439880902923606. Doi: 10.1080/17439880902923606 Whilst recent studies suggest that over 95% of British undergraduate students are regularly using social networking sites, we still know very little about how this phenomenon impacts on the student experience and, in particular, how it influences students' social integration into university life. This paper explores how pre-registration engagement with a university Facebook network influences students' post-registration social networks. Research was conducted with first year undergraduates at a British university using an online survey. Students reported that they specifically joined Facebook pre-registration as a means of making new friends at university, as well as keeping in touch with friends and family at home. The survey data also illustrate that once at university, Facebook was part of the 'social glue' that helped students settle into university life. However, care must be taken not to over-privilege Facebook: it is clearly only one aspect of students' more general social networking practices and face-to-face interrelationships and interactions remain important. Students thought Facebook was used most importantly for social reasons, not for formal teaching purposes, although it was sometimes used informally for learning purposes.
A Web survey of 1,715 college students was conducted to examine Facebook Groups users' gratifications and the relationship between users' gratifications and their political and civic participation offline. A factor analysis revealed four primary needs for participating in groups within Facebook: socializing, entertainment, self-status seeking, and information. These gratifications vary depending on user demographics such as gender, hometown, and year in school. The analysis of the relationship between users' needs and civic and political participation indicated that, as predicted, informational uses were more correlated to civic and political action than to recreational uses.
The social network site Facebook is a rapidly expanding phenomenon that is changing the nature of social relationships. Anecdotal evidence, including information described in the popular media, suggests that Facebook may be responsible for creating jealousy and suspicion in romantic relationships. The objectives of the present study were to explore the role of Facebook in the experience of jealousy and to determine if increased Facebook exposure predicts jealousy above and beyond personal and relationship factors. Three hundred eight undergraduate students completed an online survey that assessed demographic and personality factors and explored respondents' Facebook use. A hierarchical multiple regression analysis, controlling for individual, personality, and relationship factors, revealed that increased Facebook use significantly predicts Facebook-related jealousy. We argue that this effect may be the result of a feedback loop whereby using Facebook exposes people to often ambiguous information about their partner that they may not otherwise have access to and that this new information incites further Facebook use. Our study provides evidence of Facebook's unique contributions to the experience of jealousy in romantic relationships.
The aim of this study was to investigate the consequences of friend networking sites (e.g., Friendster, MySpace) for adolescents' self-esteem and well-being. We conducted a survey among 881 adolescents (10-19-year-olds) who had an online profile on a Dutch friend networking site. Using structural equation modeling, we found that the frequency with which adolescents used the site had an indirect effect on their social self-esteem and well-being. The use of the friend networking site stimulated the number of relationships formed on the site, the frequency with which adolescents received feedback on their profiles, and the tone (i.e., positive vs. negative) of this feedback. Positive feedback on the profiles enhanced adolescents' social self-esteem and well-being, whereas negative feedback decreased their self-esteem and well-being.
Three investigations are reported that examined the relation between self-appraisals and appraisals of others. In Experiment 1, subjects rated a series of valenced trait adjectives according to how well the traits described the self and others. Individuals displayed a pronounced “self-other bias,” such that positive attributes were rated as more descriptive of self than of others, whereas negative attributes were rated as less descriptive of self than of others. Furthermore, in contrast to C. R. Rogers's (1951) assertion that high self-esteem is associated with a comparable regard for others, the tendency for individuals to evaluate the self in more favorable terms than they evaluated people in general was particularly pronounced among those with high self-esteem. These findings were replicated and extended in Experiment 2, where it also was found that self-evaluations were more favorable than were evaluations of a friend and that individuals with high self-esteem were most likely to appraise their friend...
Despite the recent popularity of online social networks, there are few available studies that explain the differences between real life and internet social networks. Authoritative information about the outcomes of using social networking websites is even more sparse. In an attempt to close this literature gap, this exploratory study found that online social networks and real life social networks are significantly different in terms of social network size. The results also show that gender and extroversion are the major predictors of both online social network size and time spent online for social networking. Perhaps the most interesting finding is the negative impact of self-esteem on inclusion of strangers in online social networks. Additionally, directions for future research are provided.
Three experiments were conducted within the framework of correspondent inference theory. In each of the experiments the subjects were instructed to estimate the “true” attitude of a target person after having either read or listened to a speech by him expressing opinions on a controversial topic. Independent variables included position of speech (pro, anti, or equivocal), choice of position vs. assignment of position, and reference group of target person. The major hypothesis (which was confirmed with varying strength in all three experiments) was that choice would make a greater difference when there was a low prior probability of someone taking the position expressed in the speech. Other findings of interest were: (1) a tendency to attribute attitude in line with behavior, even in no-choice conditions; (2) increased inter-individual variability in conditions where low probability opinions were expressed in a constraining context; (3) that this variability was partly a function of the subjects' own attitudes on the issue; (4) that equivocation in no-choice conditions leads to the attribution that the equivocator opposes the assigned position. The main conclusion suggested is that perceivers do take account of prior probabilities and situational constraints when attributing private attitude, but perhaps do not weight these factors as heavily as would be expected by a rational analysis.
Our goal in this chapter is twofold. First, we want to examine some of the recurring issues in the impression management literature. We selected 3 key questions for discussion: (a) Does impression management occur only under restricted social conditions, such as during job interviews and first dates? (b) Is impression management inherently superficial and duplicitous? and (c) Is impression management inherently selfish and power oriented? By examining these questions, we hope to provide a stronger conceptual foundation for further theoretical development. Second, by addressing these questions, we hope to dispel many of the lingering misconceptions and prejudices that exist about impression management. These misconceptions can themselves impede theoretical refinement. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)
self-identification approach to the analysis of stress
approach is transactional, in that it regards the phenomenon in terms of a dynamic interplay, or transaction, between people and the environmental forces that might change them (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)
A longitudinal analysis of panel data from users of a popular online social network site, Facebook, investigated the relationship between intensity of Facebook use, measures of psychological well-being, and bridging social capital. Two surveys conducted a year apart at a large U.S. university, complemented with in-depth interviews with 18 Facebook users, provide the study data. Intensity of Facebook use in year one strongly predicted bridging social capital outcomes in year two, even after controlling for measures of self-esteem and satisfaction with life. These latter psychological variables were also strongly associated with social capital outcomes. Self-esteem served to moderate the relationship between Facebook usage intensity and bridging social capital: those with lower self-esteem gained more from their use of Facebook in terms of bridging social capital than higher self-esteem participants. We suggest that Facebook affordances help reduce barriers that lower self-esteem students might experience in forming the kinds of large, heterogeneous networks that are sources of bridging social capital.
Five experiments were conducted in which subjects were asked to attribute attitudes to target persons on the basis of opinion statements written under high constraints, i.e., the target persons were instructed to prepare the statements but were given no choice concerning the position to be endorsed. In previous studies it had been observed that reader-subjects tended to attribute attitudes in line with the opinion statement even when the writer obviously had no choice. However, in these earlier studies the opinion endorsements were actually standardized statements prepared by the investigators and they may have contained subtle cues indicating attitude strength. In the present experiments the statements were those actually written by other subjects in response to no choice instructions. Even though the subjects as attributors were well aware of these instructions, and had complied to the same instructions as target persons, attitudes in line with expressed opinions were attributed. In the final experiment, constraints were strengthened even further by the provision of specific arguments that had to be included in the opinion statements. Here the “over attribution effect” finally fell below significance. With the exception of such extreme variants of constraint, the results provide further evidence that people tend to make dispositional attributions to “explain” behavior, underestimating the role of environmental constraints.
This paper explores a judgmental heuristic in which a person evaluates the frequency of classes or the probability of events by availability, i.e., by the ease with which relevant instances come to mind. In general, availability is correlated with ecological frequency, but it is also affected by other factors. Consequently, the reliance on the availability heuristic leads to systematic biases. Such biases are demonstrated in the judged frequency of classes of words, of combinatorial outcomes, and of repeated events. The phenomenon of illusory correlation is explained as an availability bias. The effects of the availability of incidents and scenarios on subjective probability are discussed.
Proposes a social psychological construct of self-monitoring (self-observation and self-control guided by situational cues to social appropriateness) of expressive behavior and self-presentation. An internally consistent, temporally stable self-report measure of individual differences in self-monitoring was constructed. 4 converging laboratory and field studies of peer perception ratings, criterion group membership, self-control of facial and vocal emotional expressive behavior, and attention to normative social comparison information were conducted with undergraduates to demonstrate the convergent and discriminant validity of the Self-Monitoring Scale (SM). The use of SM to investigate hypotheses concerning consistency in expression across situations and between channels of expressive behavior is discussed. (28 ref)
This experimental study examined the effects of teacher self-disclosure via Facebook on anticipated college student motivation, affective learning, and classroom climate. Participants who accessed the Facebook website of a teacher high in self-disclosure anticipated higher levels of motivation and affective learning and a more positive classroom climate. In their responses to open-ended items, participants emphasized possible negative associations between teacher use of Facebook and teacher credibility. Participants offered recommendations for teachers regarding the use of Facebook and other weblog services.
Examines the attributional error of overestimating dispositions as a cause of behavior, with reference to the attitude attribution paradigm. The author observes that earlier experiments were open to criticism on artifactual grounds, but the overattribution-to-persons tendency has proved to be a remarkably robust and easily replicated phenomenon. It can be undermined or overcome when the perceived constraints on behavior are extreme or when instructions specifically set the S to consider the importance of situational factors. The functional significance of the attributional error is not clear, though it probably stems from a perceptually generated hypothesis that is insufficiently adjusted for contextual constraint. (21 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)
Consistent with Tversky and Kahneman's (1973, 1974) availability heuristic hypothesis, the current study found a negative correlation between recall latency for past events and the perceived future probability of similar events. Furthermore, when the relative accessibility of memories of positive and negative events was experimentally manipulated using the Velten mood-induction procedure, the perceived future probabilities of similar events also changed in a manner consistent with the availability heuristic account. Reductions in recall latencies resulting from the mood manipulations were, as predicted, related to increases in perceived probability, and vice versa. Partial correlations indicated that this association between the observed patterns of changes in recall latencies and probability judgments could not be accounted for by the existence of independent associations between each of these effects and the magnitude of mood change.