Study Notes on Social Comparison, Social Media, and Self-Esteem

Social Comparison, Social Media, and Self-Esteem

Authors

  • Erin A. Vogel
  • Jason P. Rose
  • Lindsay R. Roberts
  • Katheryn Eckles
  • University of Toledo

Introduction

  • The widespread use of Social Networking Sites (SNSs), particularly Facebook, has a significant impact on social comparison opportunities.
  • Purpose of the study: To examine the effects of both chronic and temporary exposure to social media, particularly through social comparisons, on self-esteem.

Study 1: Correlational Approach

Design and Purpose
  • Investigate the association between Facebook usage frequency and trait self-esteem.
Findings
  • Higher frequency of Facebook use correlates with lower trait self-esteem.
  • The negative impact of Facebook usage on self-esteem is mediated by increased exposure to upward social comparisons.
Terms and Concepts Defined
  • Self-Esteem: Refers to a person’s positive or negative evaluations of themselves; the extent to which an individual views themselves as worthwhile and competent (Coopersmith, 1967).
  • Trait Self-Esteem: A stable evaluation of self-worth over time.
  • State Self-Esteem: A temporary evaluation of self-worth that fluctuates based on context.
  • Upward Social Comparison: Comparing oneself to others perceived to be superior.
  • Downward Social Comparison: Comparing oneself to others perceived to be inferior.
Methodology
  • Participants: 145 undergraduates (Median age: 19.00, M = 19.64, SD = 2.87).
  • Assessment of Facebook use, self-esteem (using Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale), and social comparison tendencies (upward and downward).
Summary of Results
  • Key Correlations:
    • Frequency of Facebook use negatively correlated with self-esteem (r(143) = -0.20, p = .02).
    • Frequency positively correlated with upward comparisons (r = 0.26, p = .01) and downward comparisons (r = 0.20, p = .02).
  • Mediation Analysis:
    • Facebook use significantly predicts reduced self-esteem through upward comparisons (95% CI: -0.18, -0.013).
  • Overall, Facebook use explains 14% of variance in self-esteem.

Study 2: Experimental Approach

Design and Purpose
  • Experimentally test whether temporary exposure to social media profiles affecting upward or downward comparison influences state self-esteem and self-evaluations.
Methodology
  • Participants: 128 undergraduates (Median age: 19.00, M = 19.08, SD = 1.63).
  • Profiles manipulated to convey upward or downward comparison status through personal content (healthy/unhealthy behaviors) and social network content (high/low activity).
Findings
  • Significant reduction in state self-esteem after viewing profiles with high activity social networks compared to low activity (Mupward = 3.53, SD = 0.60; Mdownward = 3.74, SD = 0.63, d = 0.34).
  • Evaluations of attractiveness, healthiness, fitness, likability, and popularity differ based on the comparisons drawn from the profiles.
Key Implications and Discussion
  • Upward social comparisons negatively impact fitness and self-esteem in the context of social media.
  • Social network activity has a pronounced effect compared to personal user content.
  • Humans tend to project their realities onto the idealized versions of others they see online, which can harm well-being.

General Discussion

Principal Conclusions
  • Studies provide strong evidence that upward social comparisons via Facebook can be detrimental to well-being.
  • User behavior on social media can lead to feelings of inadequacy.
Practical Implications
  • Engage mindfully with social media and be aware of the potential impacts of social comparisons on self-esteem.
Limitations and Future Directions
  • Suggested future studies should utilize more diverse samples and explore the dynamic nature of social media interactions.