Does social media use always lead to negative career results? The role of growth mindset

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Abstract
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Purpose Prior studies on social media have suggested that it primarily elicits negative career-related outcomes due to upward social comparison. Drawing upon social comparison theory, particularly the assimilative perspective, we challenge this prevailing view by identifying inspiration as a mediating mechanism and growth mindset as a boundary condition to explain when and how social media use fosters subjective career success (SCS). Design/methodology/approach We conducted a three-wave survey among employees from the UK. Hierarchical regression analysis was utilized to test our hypotheses. Findings Results show that inspiration mediates the relationship between social media use and SCS. Moreover, the growth mindset strengthens the effect of social media use on inspiration and the indirect effect of inspiration. Originality/value This study reveals the bright side of social media within career and its beneficial influence on SCS. It provides theoretical and practical implications for employees, organizations, and career counselors.

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Young adult females’ perceptions of high-risk social media behaviors: A focus-group approach. Journal of Community Health Nursing, 31(3), 133-144. Whyte, C., Thrall, A. T., & Mazanec, B. M. (Eds.). (2021). Information warfare in the age of cyber conflict. London & New York: Routledge. Yusop, F. D., & Sumari, M. (2013). The use of social media technologies among Malaysian youth. Procedia-social and behavioral sciences, 103, 1204-1209. Zulqarnain, W., & ul Hassan, T. (2016). Individual’s perceptions about the credibility of social media in Pakistan. Strategic Studies, 36(4), 123-137.

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