Abstract
PurposeThe association between social media and jealousy is an aspect of the dark side of social media that has garnered significant attention in the past decade. However, the understanding of this association is fragmented and needs to be assimilated to provide scholars with an overview of the current boundaries of knowledge in this area. This systematic literature review (SLR) aims to fulfill this need.Design/methodology/approachThe authors undertake an SLR to assimilate the current knowledge regarding the association between social media and jealousy, and they examine the phenomenon of social media-induced jealousy (SoMJ). Forty-five empirical studies are curated and analyzed using stringent protocols to elucidate the existing research profile and thematic research areas.FindingsThe research themes emerging from the SLR are (1) the need for a theoretical and methodological grounding of the concept, (2) the sociodemographic differences in SoMJ experiences, (3) the antecedents of SoMJ (individual, partner, rival and platform affordances) and (4) the positive and negative consequences of SoMJ. Conceptual and methodological improvements are needed to undertake a temporal and cross-cultural investigation of factors that may affect SoMJ and acceptable thresholds for social media behavior across different user cohorts. This study also identifies the need to expand current research boundaries by developing new methodologies and focusing on under-investigated variables.Originality/valueThe study may assist in the development of practical measures to raise awareness about the adverse consequences of SoMJ, such as intimate partner violence and cyberstalking.
Highlights
Social media platforms (SMPs), such as Facebook and Instagram, have undoubtedly had positive effects, such as the creation of an enhanced sense of well-being by reducing negative emotions (Rozgonjuk et al, 2019) and increasing self-esteem (Holmgren and Coyne, 2017)
We have proposed a framework derived from the explicated research gaps and the hitherto under-explored associations of social media-induced jealousy (SoMJ) to guide future scholars
We propose that SoMJ may be understood as the “jealousy experienced by an individual due to a potential threat of the loss or deterioration of a romantic relationship due to their partner’s or spouse’s use of and activities undertaken on SMPs, especially if such activities involve a potential rival for extra-dyadic, romantic attention.”
Summary
Social media platforms (SMPs), such as Facebook and Instagram, have undoubtedly had positive effects, such as the creation of an enhanced sense of well-being by reducing negative emotions (Rozgonjuk et al, 2019) and increasing self-esteem (Holmgren and Coyne, 2017). We use the study of Muscanell and Guadagno (2016) as a conversant, or point of reference (cf Huff, 1998) that presents a narrative review of the effect Jealousy due to of SMP on romantic relationships in terms of jealousy and other emotions experienced by the social media?. The framework directs attention toward the need to examine the effect of SoMJ on individuals’ online and offline emotions and actions toward their partners and rivals The remainder of this manuscript addresses the RQs. Section 2 commences with an overview of the concept of jealousy and the social media features that have the potential to evoke this emotion among users. The leading journals in terms of publication productivity are Cyberpsychology, Behavior and Social Networking (n 5 7), Computers in INTR 31,5 1548
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