Social comparison on Facebook: Its antecedents and psychological outcomes

Kyungeun Jang, Namkee Park, Hayeon Song

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

82 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Previous studies have investigated the role of social comparison on Facebook. The social comparison process occurring on Facebook and its impacts, however, has not been fully captured. Thus, the present study examined the associations among Facebook use, social comparison orientation on Facebook (SCOF), and psychological outcomes represented by perceived social support and mental health. Also, the role of self-esteem and impression management was explored as antecedents of SCOF. Using a sample of college students (N = 313), the study found a positive association between Facebook use and SCOF. Facebook use was positively associated with perceived social support, yet it was not significantly associated with mental health. The study also found a negative association between SCOF and mental health. However, there was no significant association between SCOF and perceived social support. Finally, both self-esteem and impression management were positively associated with SCOF. Theoretical implications were discussed.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)147-154
Number of pages8
JournalComputers in Human Behavior
Volume62
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2016 Sept

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Arts and Humanities (miscellaneous)
  • Human-Computer Interaction
  • Psychology(all)

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