Social Comparison Research Articles

Coping with Social Media Envy in Luxury Consumption: The Role of Social Networking Site Actions

Because social networking sites facilitate social comparison, consumer envy becomes inevitable among social media users. Drawing on social comparison and coping theories, this study examines how different types of envy lead to consumers’ distinct behaviors on social networking sites, some of which are self-directed and focus on self-enhancement, while others are either positive or negative interactions with the envied person. Employing both the contexts of luxury product and service sharing experiences on Instagram, the authors consistently show in four studies that whereas consumers who experience benign envy are more likely to interact with the envied person positively, such as liking the envied person’s posts, those who experience malicious envy are more likely to engage in negative interactions, such as unfollowing the envied person. Benign enviers are more likely to engage in self-enhancement actions on social networking sites, such as posting images/videos more frequently, compared with malicious enviers. When coping with the negative feeling of envy, positive interactions help benign enviers improve their sense of belonging. In contrast, malicious enviers tend to engage in maladaptive coping behaviors, such as engaging in negative interactions with the envied, which may diminish their sense of belonging and lead to negative self-perceptions.

How do inclusive leaders emerge? A theory-based model

Despite recent theoretical developments examining the emergence of several types of leadership, there is a paucity of research on the emergence of inclusive leaders. We sought to address this gap by proposing a theory-based conceptual model. We identify a paradox in leader emergence: Although there is evidence that inclusive leaders can improve organizational effectiveness, those who influence decisions about leader selection, both formal and informal, often overlook this evidence and instead select leaders who do not practice inclusion. Integrating expectation states theory and implicit leadership theory to explain leadership emergence, with social identity theory and social comparison theory to explain inclusion, we propose a conceptual model culminating with four propositions. The model suggests practices that can support inclusive leadership and how inclusive leadership can improve organizational effectiveness and employee well-being. We conclude with implications for policies to promote inclusive leadership emergence and propose avenues for future research.

The Dual Processes of Leader-Member Exchange Social Comparison

The Dual Processes of Leader-Member Exchange Social Comparison

Unpacking interplays between competitiveness, cooperativeness, and social comparison orientation: A network psychometric approach and replication.

Emerging evidence highlights the role of social comparison in competition and cooperation, yet the dynamics among competitiveness, cooperativeness, and social comparison orientation (SCO) remain underexplored. In the present study, we sought to unravel these complex interplays employing graphical Gaussian models (GGMs) and characterize the network structures utilizing cross-sectional data derived from 1073 Chinese participants. A pre-registered independent sample (n = 1348) served to examine the replicability and robustness of our initial findings. Moreover, we explored the Bayesian networks (i.e., directed acyclic graphs) to delve into their probabilistic directed dependencies. Our analysis identified an interpersonal co-opetition network where SCO bridges competitiveness and cooperativeness, emphasizing the key influence of the desire to surpass others. We also found a significant gender effect on the levels of these orientations but not on the network patterns. Additionally, the replication sample offered validation for the resultant network structure and its key nodes. In sum, these findings provide a new insight into the symbiotic relationship between competitiveness and cooperativeness within the framework of social comparison, offering significant theoretical and practical implications.

The role of influencers and social comparison in shaping travel intentions

The role of influencers and social comparison in shaping travel intentions

Impacts of CEO-employee pay disparity on investor behavior and market dynamics: Evidence from laboratory asset markets

This study explores the impacts of CEO-to-employee pay disparity on investor behavior and market dynamics using an experimental methodology. We employed two laboratory asset markets with identical company valuations but differing CEO-employee pay ratios. Our findings reveal that a higher pay ratio leads investors to quote higher prices for the company's stock. This effect is driven by two conflicting mechanisms of social preference: inequality aversion, which motivates investors who value fairness to quote lower prices for stocks of companies with high pay ratios, and social comparison, where the high pay ratio prompts investors to compare their wealth with that of CEOs, thus becoming more risk-seeking and quoting higher prices. Moreover, higher pay ratios contribute to increased stock prices, fostering larger market bubbles, enhancing the dispersion of investor opinions, boosting trading volumes, and escalating market volatility. This study enriches our understanding of how asset markets react to CEO-to-employee pay disparities, providing valuable insights for policymakers and market participants.

Impact of psychological entitlement on engagement in learning activities and psychological anxiety: the mediating role of envy

Psychological entitlement has appeared as a significant topic for research in the field of management and Psychology. From the perspective of social comparison theory, the present study aimed to investigate the impact of psychological entitlement on engagement in learning activities and psychological anxiety in the hotel industry. Furthermore, benign and malign envy were examined as an explanatory mechanism between psychological entitlement and its outcomes. Based on a three-wave time-lagged design, data were obtained from 242 employees working in the different hotels in Pakistan. We found that psychological entitlement’s has no direct influence on hotel employees engagement in learning activities, and psychological anxiety. In addition, the indirect effect of psychological entitlement on both outcomes (engagement in learning activities and psychological anxiety) was found significant through the mediating effect of benign and malign envy. The implications for research theory and practice are discussed.

Mirror, mirror on my screen: Focus on self-presentation on social media is associated with perfectionism and disordered eating among adolescents. Results from the “LifeOnSoMe”-study

BackgroundSocial media use, perfectionism, and disordered eating have all increased over the last decades. Some studies indicate that there is a relationship between self-presentation behaviors and being exposed to others’ self-presentation on social media, and disordered eating. Studies also show that the relationship between focus on self-presentation and highly visual social media is stronger than for non-visual social media, hence facilitating upward social comparison. Nevertheless, no previous studies have investigated the link between adolescents’ focus on self-presentation and upward social comparison on social media, and perfectionism and disordered eating, which is the aim of the present study.MethodThe present study is based on a cross-sectional survey from the “LifeOnSoMe”-study (N = 3424), conducted in 2020 and 2021. Respondents were high school students (mean age 17.3 years, 56% females) in Bergen, Norway. Multiple regression analysis was performed, where SPAUSCIS, a measure of self-presentation and upward social comparison, was the independent variable. Perfectionism and disordered eating were dependent variables. Self-reported age, gender, and subjective socioeconomic status were used as covariates, as well as frequency and duration of social media use. Regression models were performed to compare proportions across the median split of SPAUSCIS.ResultsThe multiple regression analysis showed that increased focus on self-presentation and upward social comparison on social media were positively associated with both perfectionism (standardized coefficient 0.28) and disordered eating. A stronger association for girls than boys was found for disordered eating (standardized coefficient 0.39 for girls and 0.29 for boys). There was no gender moderation for perfectionism.ConclusionsFindings suggest that focus on self-presentation and upward social comparison on social media is associated with perfectionism and disordered eating. We recommend promoting a healthy use of social media. This could be established by increasing adolescents’ ability to reflect on and think critically about self-presentation and upward social comparison on social media.

NARCISSISM AND ENVY'S EFFECT ON TOURISTS SHARING SELFIE IN SOCIAL COMPARISON THEORY APPROACH

Tourism, as a social endeavor, has been significantly influenced by advancements in technology and communication tools, thereby facilitating interpersonal interactions as a social activity. The widespread integration of smart technologies and the continually evolving social media platforms have fundamentally altered the rapid dissemination of tourist experiences. Consequently, this research aims to examine the tendency to share selfies on social media platforms within the framework of social comparison theory. Data were collected from 533 participants through an online survey and were subjected to Exploratory Factor Analysis, Confirmatory Factor Analysis, and Path Analysis within the framework of Structural Equation Modeling. The analyses revealed that narcissism and envy positively impact tourists' tendencies to share selfies on social media platforms. Based on these findings, the study offers recommendations for developing effective strategies for tourism stakeholders.

Mechanisms Linking Social Media Use and Sleep in Emerging Adults in the United States.

Social media use is associated with poor sleep outcomes. We aimed to extend previous research by examining how measures of social media use would affect two sleep characteristics: sleep quality and insomnia symptoms. In addition, we tested a serial mediation model linking social media use to sleep through increases in negative social comparison and pre-sleep cognitive arousal. Participants were 830 emerging adults (ages 18-30) who were recruited for an online survey study in February 2024. The sample was 63.1% female, with an average age of 24. We examined three measures of social media use: duration (minutes of daily use), frequency (number of weekly visits to social media platforms), and emotional investment (attachment to and integration of social media into daily life). Consistent with our hypothesis, greater emotional investment in social media and more frequent social media use were associated with poorer sleep quality and greater insomnia severity. We also found evidence supporting our hypothesized serial mediation model: emotional investment in social media and more frequent social media use were associated with increased negative social comparison, which subsequently increased pre-sleep cognitive arousal, which then led to poorer sleep outcomes. Our findings suggest that negative social comparison and pre-sleep cognitive arousal are important mechanisms linking social media use to poor sleep outcomes. Future studies should aim to test this serial mediation model using longitudinal data and experimental methods.

The influence of upward social comparison on status consumption in clothing, eating, living, and travelling: The mediating effects of perceived self‐improvement and perceived superiority

AbstractCompensatory consumption theory posits that individuals tend to engage in status consumption as a response to experiencing upward social comparison. However, it is unclear whether upward social comparison can influence status consumption in four lifestyle domains: clothing, eating, living, and travelling. Therefore, we conducted two separate studies with a sample of Chinese consumers. In Study 1, we investigated the effects of upward social comparison on status consumption in four domains by comparing participants with a specific individual. In Study 2, we examined the effects of upward social comparison on status consumption in four domains by comparing participants with a group. Additionally, Study 2 examined the mediating role of perceived self‐improvement and perceived superiority. The results revealed that participants exhibited higher purchase intentions and preferences for status products and services in four consumption domains when exposed to upward social comparison. Furthermore, the results also indicated that perceived self‐improvement and perceived superiority mediated the positive effects of status consumption in four domains under upward social comparison. These findings contribute to the broader applicability of compensatory consumption theory.

Dancing Well with Mindfulness

ABSTRACT Mindfulness has recently flooded the health and wellness social media landscape. With roots in Buddhism, mindfulness is a skill of attention involving focusing on the present moment with curiosity and nonjudgment. Mindfulness practices, including meditation, have many benefits for busy young dance students, who often face a unique combination of stresses around social comparison, self-doubt, body image issues, performance anxiety, and increasingly overscheduled lifestyles. Many may lack an understanding of mindfulness or misperceive its components. Persistent stigmas around mental health may also keep students from openly experimenting with mindfulness practices. The purpose of this article is to concisely define mindfulness for dance students, its potential benefits, and considerations for how mindful practices, particularly meditation, can be integrated into dance students’ lives.

Online Social Comparison and Impostor Phenomenon Among Music Education Undergraduates

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.

Reflections on Limiting Social Media Use and Mental Health

The relationship between social media use and mental health has been well documented. A study by Bradley et al. (2023) examined whether reducing social media use to 30 minutes per day would improve mental health, but found no significant improvements, partly due to participants’ lack of adherence to study instructions. The current study examines qualitative responses to an open-ended reflection question from participants of this previous study. Most participants struggled to limit their social media use, largely because of benefits social media use provided and perceived consequences of not using social media. Many participants wanted to limit their social media use, despite most failing to do so during the study. Participants who did limit their social media use experienced improved mental health when limiting. Additionally, many participants had negative opinions about social media use, such as increasing social comparison, though positive and mixed opinions were also reported. This study suggests social media use limiting interventions may not be viable, and that different types of social media use must also be considered. Additionally, research viewing social media use as only having negative impacts is inaccurate; this study demonstrates that there is a continuum of effects it may have.

The impact of social comparison orientation on malicious envy among high school students: The chain mediating role of avoidance goal orientation and negative rumination

The high school stage is a critical period for students to develop their perspectives on life and to form healthy relationships with others. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between social comparison orientation and malicious envy among high school students, as well as the mediating effects of avoidance goal orientation and negative rumination. A survey was conducted with 643 high school students, employing the Iowa-Netherlands Comparison Orientation Measure, the Avoidance Goal Orientation Scale, the Negative Rumination Scale, and the Malicious Envy Scale. The findings indicated that: (1) there is a significant positive association between social comparison orientation, avoidance goal orientation, negative rumination, and malicious envy; (2) social comparison orientation does not directly and significantly predict malicious envy among high school students when avoidance goal orientation and negative rumination are considered as mediating factors; (3) social comparison orientation indirectly affects the negative rumination of high school students through the independent and chain mediating effects of avoidance goal orientation and negative rumination. This research sheds light on the underlying mechanisms by which social comparison orientation influences malicious envy.

Examining the Role of Family, Media, Peers in Young Caucasian Men’s Understandings of Body Dissatisfaction: A Thematic Analysis Using the Tripartite Influential Model and Social Comparison Theory

This study explores the factors contributing to body dissatisfaction among young Caucasian men. It focuses on family, peers, and media influences, addressing a gap in the literature that rarely integrates men’s experiences. The research draws on the Tripartite Influence Model and Social Comparison Theory, using thematic analysis to examine semi-structured interviews with eight participants aged 20–21. The research considers participants’ sexual orientation and country of origin when analysing the data. The findings show that family, peers, and the media positively and negatively shape body dissatisfaction among participants. Positive familial support can enhance body image, while negative comments from family members and peers exacerbate dissatisfaction. Social media was found to often reinforce unattainable body standards. The research contributes to the limited literature on men’s body dissatisfaction by expanding the application of the Tripartite Influence Model and Social Comparison Theory to this population. The study underscores the need for greater societal awareness and a more inclusive approach to body image research that considers diverse ethnic backgrounds and sexual orientations. We argue that more attention needs to be paid to men’s body dissatisfaction, as men are often excluded from these discussions. This study provides valuable insights into the dynamics of male body image, offering a foundation for future research and societal discourse on this often-overlooked issue.

Influence of social networking site use on body image disturbances among young women in China

Young adult women in China are at high risk of body image disturbances and are among the most frequent users of social networking sites (SNS). We investigated the association between SNS use and body image disturbances in this group, as well as the mediating effect of upward social comparison. We recruited 511 women to complete questionnaires on SNS use, upward social comparison, and body dissatisfaction. Results indicated that SNS use was significantly and positively associated with upward social comparison and body dissatisfaction among young women in China, and upward social comparison mediated this association. Findings from the current study provide new evidence for the tripartite influence model of body image and indicate that SNS use is a risk factor for body image disturbances.

Daily Bi-directional effects of women’s social media-based appearance comparisons, body satisfaction, and disordered eating urges

We assessed the bi-directional relationships between upward appearance comparisons on social media with body dissatisfaction (BD) and disordered eating (DE) in women’s daily lives and the potential moderating effect of trait self-objectification on these relationships. Women (N = 315) completed a baseline measure of trait self-objectification, then reported momentary experiences of social media-based appearance comparisons (upward, lateral, downward), body satisfaction, and DE urges (restrict food intake, exercise, overeat) for seven days. We hypothesized that upward (relative to no) comparisons would predict lower body satisfaction and higher DE urges, while lateral and downward (relative to no) comparisons would predict higher body satisfaction and lower DE urges. We expected these relationships to be bi-directional and moderated by trait self-objectification. Multilevel modelling results revealed complex bi-directional relationships. Upward comparisons predicted lower body satisfaction and increased urges to restrict food intake, which in turn predicted increased upward comparisons. Unexpectedly, urges to restrict food intake predicted all comparison types. We observed somewhat unanticipated bi-directional relationships between lateral comparisons and exercise urges, and between downward comparisons and body satisfaction. Uni-directional relationships emerged between upward comparisons and the urge to overeat. Trait self-objectification moderated very few of these relationships. These findings support the non-uniform impact of appearance comparisons on body image and eating concerns and highlight the complexity of daily social media-body image dynamics. Future research using refined measures over extended periods is needed to elucidate these relationships further and inform targeted interventions.

Interaction effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and regional deprivation on self-rated health: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundRecent studies have attempted to analyze the changes in self-rated health (SRH) during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. However, the results have been inconsistent. Notably, SRH is subjective, and responses may vary across and within countries because of sociocultural differences. Thus, we aimed to examine whether the interaction effects between the COVID-19 pandemic and regional deprivation influenced SRH in South Korea.MethodsThe study population comprised 877,778 participants from the Korea Community Health Survey. The data were collected from 2018 to 2021. Multiple regression analysis was employed to determine the relationship between SRH and the interaction between the COVID-19 pandemic status and the socioeconomic level of residential areas.ResultsThe post-pandemic groups (odds ratio [OR] = 2.25, P < .0001; OR = 2.29, P < .0001) had significantly higher odds of reporting favorable SRH than the pre-pandemic groups (OR = 0.96, P < .0001). However, the difference in ORs based on regional socioeconomic status was small.ConclusionsSRH showed an overall increase in the post-pandemic groups relative to that in the disadvantaged pre-pandemic group. Possible reasons include changes in individuals’ health perceptions through social comparison and the effective implementation of COVID-19 containment measures in South Korea. This paradoxical phenomenon has been named the “Eye of the Hurricane,” as the vast majority of people who had not been infected by the virus may have viewed their health situation more favorably than they ordinarily would.

A Cross Cultural Comparison of Adolescent Sexual Socialization in Family Settings in Four Thai Regions: A Cross Sectional Survey

A Cross Cultural Comparison of Adolescent Sexual Socialization in Family Settings in Four Thai Regions: A Cross Sectional Survey