Comparison Of Theory Research Articles

Self‐Comparing With Virtual Influencers: Effects on Followers' Wellbeing

ABSTRACTWhile there is pervasive research on virtual influencers (VIs) and their impacts on consumer behaviors, there is a lack of understanding of their effects on followers' wellbeing. Drawing on social comparison theory, in this study, we examine how followers self‐compare with VIs and what the effects of this process are on their wellbeing. Based on a qualitative study, involving 31 interviews with followers of VIs on Instagram, we found that they experience both upward and downward comparison. The upward comparison made them feel envious, jealous (i.e., contrastive), or inspired, optimistic, and admired (i.e., assimilative) while the downward assimilative comparison made the followers worry or feel sympathy with the VI they follow. Moreover, we found another set of emotions that can be triggered by the process of social comparison with a VI, such as feelings of shame due to the nature of the influencers not being human. Individuals cope with the negative effects of self‐comparing through emotional and behavioral regulations.

Motivations behind TikTok content creation among Gen Z expatriates

Abstract This study investigates the motivations behind TikTok content creation among Vietnamese Gen Z expatriates by exploring the interplay of the social comparison theory and the Uses and Gratifications Theory in shaping their engagement with the platform. Through qualitative interviews, we uncover the dual role of TikTok in their lives: a tool for fostering social connection and personal expression and a platform for social comparison and validation. These findings illuminate the complex interplay between digital media use and the experience of digital migration, highlighting how Gen Z expatriates navigate transnational identities and seek belonging in an increasingly interconnected world. The study contributes to the ongoing discourse on digitalization and expatriation, emphasizing the multifaceted role of social media in shaping the experiences of young migrants in the digital age.

Compulsive Use of Social Media and Unrestrained Buying Behavior: Delineating the Role of Social Comparison, Fear of Missing Out and Self Esteem

Drawing on Theory of Compensatory Internet Use and Social Comparison Theory, the study explores how compulsive use of social media can lead to impulsive and compulsive buying behaviors among young adults in India. Findings reveal that compulsive social media use positively correlates with both impulsive and compulsive buying behaviors. This relationship is significant mediated by social comparison and FoMO, suggesting that users who frequently engage in social media are more likely to compare themselves to others and experience anxiety over missing out, thereby driving them towards unrestrained buying. Additionally, self-esteem negatively significant moderates these relationships, with individuals possessing high self-esteem less likely to succumb to impulsive and compulsive buying due to social comparison and FoMO. Research contributes significantly to digital marketing field by offering insights into the darker aspects of social media’s impact on consumer behaviour. Furthermore, study’s conceptual model integrates compensatory internet use theory and social comparison theory, providing a novel framework for future research on digital consumption behaviors.

Neoliberalism and the Global Migrant Crisis: A World-Ecology Perspective

What is the nexus between capitalism, agroecological change, and geopolitical conflicts, and how has it historically affected global migratory movements? In answering this question, the present article employs the method of incorporated comparison and world-ecology theory based on the cases of Latin America, specifically Mexico, Venezuela, and Central American countries, and the Broader Middle East, with a particular emphasis on Syria and Afghanistan. A comparative study of these geopolitical hotspots reveals how the US-led cycles of capitalist world-ecology resulted in a global migrant crisis driven by a combination of factors, including neoliberal economic policies, imperialist interventions, narco-colonialism, and extractive capitalism.

Global digital overload: how Snapchat communication cycles influence workplace efficiency

Purpose This paper aims to explore the growing integration of social media, specifically Snapchat, into workplace environments and its impact on communication behaviors, especially among Generation Z and Millennials. The focus is on analyzing how Snapchat’s communication cycles, such as notifications, Snap streaks and best friend rankings, affect workplace efficiency. This study also investigates how cultural variations around connectivity and work-life balance amplify or mitigate these effects in global settings. Design/methodology/approach This research uses social comparison theory and self-determination theory to examine the psychological and social impacts of Snapchat’s features on workplace productivity. Drawing on qualitative and quantitative literature, the paper explores how different cultural contexts influence employees’ interaction with Snapchat during work hours. Theoretical frameworks are applied to understand the cognitive and social disruptions caused by social media, while practical strategies for human resource management are explored. Findings Snapchat’s design fosters continuous user engagement, often leading to fragmented attention and reduced productivity, particularly in work environments. Cultural norms surrounding social media usage and work-life boundaries either intensify or alleviate the disruptive effects of Snapchat. For example, the pressure to maintain social ties amplifies workplace distractions in collectivist cultures. In contrast, individualistic cultures may emphasize productivity over social connection, allowing for more effectively managing these distractions. Originality/value This paper contributes to the growing body of literature on social media’s impact on workplace dynamics by offering a culturally nuanced approach to understanding digital distractions. By focusing on Snapchat, a platform with unique features that encourage habitual interaction, the study provides novel insights into how global human resource strategies can be tailored to different cultural settings. The findings suggest practical solutions for managing digital overload and optimizing employee performance in increasingly interconnected work environments.

Psychological needs and social comparison: a dual analysis of the life satisfaction of local workers with agricultural hukou

BackgroundBased on their place of employment, workers with agricultural hukou (WAH) are categorized into local workers with agricultural hukou (LWAH) and migrant workers with agricultural hukou (MWAH). Research shows that although LWAH often find themselves at a disadvantage in terms of labour income and access to public services, the significant growth of this group in recent years has drawn attention to their choice of workplace and the factors influencing it. Guided by the theories of self-determination and social comparison, this study aims to explore the impact of the differences between LWAH and MWAH in psychological needs and social comparisons on life satisfaction, as well as the underlying mechanisms.MethodsThis study utilizes data from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) from 2014 to 2020, employing a two-way fixed effects model to investigate the differences in life satisfaction between 1,976 LWAH and MWAH. Additionally, propensity score matching (PSM) is used to conduct regression analysis on the matched sample, providing a more accurate comparison of life satisfaction between LWAH and MWAH under similar individual characteristics. Finally, the study further examines the mediating effects of perceived social status and job satisfaction and analyses the differences in life satisfaction between LWAH and MWAH across dimensions such as generation, region, and work conditions.ResultsThe baseline regression results indicate that LWAH have significantly higher life satisfaction compared to MWAH, and this finding is robust to various tests. Mediation analysis reveals that perceived social status plays a mediating role in the difference in life satisfaction between LWAH and MWAH, while job satisfaction does not have a significant mediating effect. Heterogeneity analysis further shows that intergenerational, regional, and work condition differences have varying impacts on the life satisfaction of two groups.ConclusionsThis study provides important insights into understanding the workplace choices and quality of life of Chinese workers with agricultural hukou. Finally, to effectively promote situ urbanization processes, local governments need to prioritize enhancing workers with agricultural hukou (WAH)’s autonomy, sense of competence, and social status, thereby improving their perceived social status in society and attracting more labourers to return to their hometowns for work and entrepreneurship.

Reflections of Self: How Social Media Shapes Teen Body Image

This research explores how advances in information technology, particularly through social media, have transformed communication patterns and influenced teenagers' body image perceptions. Employing a qualitative approach, the study conducted in-depth interviews with three teenage girls aged 17-21 who are active on social media. The findings indicate that many participants experience dissatisfaction with their bodies due to comparisons with prevalent beauty standards. This aligns with social comparison theory, which suggests that individuals often evaluate their appearance by contrasting themselves with others. Social interactions on social media, including comments and likes, also play a significant role in shaping self-confidence. While the pressure to conform to unrealistic beauty ideals is a notable negative effect, some participants reported feeling motivated to pursue healthier lifestyles as a positive outcome. The study highlights the need for effective interventions aimed at educating adolescents about healthy social media use and raising awareness of its potential effects on body image.

The double‐edged sword effect of reading self‐concept on math achievement: Additional insights for making dimensional comparisons

AbstractA common belief underlying the dimensional comparison theory is that reading self‐concept has a positive relation to reading achievement but a negative relation to math achievement. However, this belief is incomplete and potentially misleading as supporting evidence is usually derived from studies without simultaneously considering the mediated effect of reading self‐concept through reading achievement. The current study examined the direct and indirect effects of reading self‐concept on math achievement through reading achievement, using PISA 2018 data from 501,766 students across 74 countries/territories. Multilevel structural equation modeling was performed to control for confounding variances from the school level and above. The results showed that reading self‐concept had a direct and negative effect on math achievement, while also exerting a positive indirect effect on math achievement through reading achievement. Overall, the indirect effect outperformed the negative direct effect on math achievement. We concluded that reading self‐concept exerted a double‐edged effect on math achievement. These results should be able to shed new light on the contrasting comparison effect of self‐concept on academic achievement.

Players’ continuous willingness to play in MOBA game ranking mode: through the lens of self-determination theory and social comparison theory

Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) games are a popular genre in the current gaming field, and the highly competitive ranking mode is one of the core parts of the gameplay, and the study of the factors affecting players’ continuous willingness to play is a necessary issue to ensure the sustainable profitability of these games. This study has developed a conceptual model delineating the continuous willingness of players within the MOBA game ranking mode, employing the frameworks of self-determination theory (SDT) and social comparison theory (SCT). In this study, 396 valid data samples were collected using questionnaire method. The results show that, social comparison enhances players’ continuous willingness and avatar identification, and indirectly enhances their continuous willingness through mediation by avatar identification, while game frustration has a significant positive moderating effect in both paths. This study contributes to both theoretical explorations and practical approaches to MOBA game ranking mode.

The dynamics and behavior of logarithmic type fuzzy difference equation of order two.

Fuzzy difference equations are becoming increasingly popular in fields like engineering, ecology, and social science. Difference equations find numerous applications in real-life problems. Our study demonstrates that the logarithmic-type fuzzy difference equation of order two possesses a nonnegative solution, and an equilibrium point, and exhibits asymptotic behavior. [Formula: see text] Where, xi represents the sequence of fuzzy numbers, and the parameters α, β, A, along with the initial conditions x-1 and x0, are positive fuzzy numbers. The characterization theorem is employed to convert each single logarithmic fuzzy difference equation into a set of two crisp logarithmic difference equations within a fuzzy environment. We evaluated the stability of the equilibrium point of the fuzzy system. Utilizing variational iteration techniques, the method of g-division, inequality skills, and a theory of comparison for logarithmic fuzzy difference equations, we investigated the governing equation dynamics, including its boundedness, existence, and both local and global stability analysis. Additionally, we provided some numerical solutions for the equation describing the system to verify our results.

The Impact of Social Environment Perception on Relative Deprivation among Residents in Rural Tourism Destinations

The sustainable development of rural tourism requires not only active participation from the government and enterprises but is also closely tied to the attitudes of local residents. This study, grounded in the theories of relative deprivation and social comparison, focuses on the residents living near the Jinshi Gorge Scenic Area in Shangluo City. We constructed a structural equation model to explore how residents’ perceptions of the social environment in rural tourism influence their sense of relative deprivation, enhance their happiness, and ultimately promote the sustainable development of rural tourism. The study’s findings reveal the following: (1) that demographic characteristics, including age, education level, and annual income, significantly influence residents’ perceptions of their social environment, particularly their sense of group identity, social support, and feelings of inequality. (2) Levels of relative deprivation vary significantly across different demographic groups. (3) There is a strong positive correlation between individual cognitive relative deprivation and individual emotional relative deprivation. Similarly, group cognitive relative deprivation positively predicts group emotional relative deprivation. (4) Experiences of discrimination, feelings of inequality, and strength of group identity emerge as significant predictors of both individual and group-level cognitive and emotional relative deprivation. (5) Social support has a significant negative effect on individual cognition, individual emotions, group cognition, and group emotional relative deprivation.

A Social Comparison Perspective to Investigating the Influence of Social Media on Employee Creativity

Previous research evident that social media provides a platform to individuals social comparison, namely social comparison on social media (USC-SM). Drawing from social comparison theory, this study explores the creative consequences of such USC-SM, focusing on the underlying mechanism of emotional exhaustion. Additionally, the study examines how social media dependency influences these emotional experiences resulting from USC-SM. Results of data collected from 435 employees and their supervisors through a multi-source, two-wave survey reveal that employees who engage in USC-SM platforms tend to experience emotional exhaustion, thereby detrimentally impacting their creativity. Furthermore, this research found that the extent of an employee’s dependence on social media for work tasks serves as moderator which strengthens the underlying relationship. This study makes a significant contribution to the existing literature on social media use and its effect on employee creativity. Theoretical contributions and practical guidelines are discussed in the subsequent sections.

Spacial Information Improves Modeling Accuracy in Predicting Student Performance

The relationship between spatial heterogeneity and students' academic performance is a widely researched topic. This study extends the concept of spatial heterogeneity into two categories - allocatable (acquired after birth) and ascribed (determined before birth) - using seating and hometown information as variables in Spatial Durbin Models for statistical analysis, identifying seating as the salient feature. Subsequently, through 2,000 iterations of random state testing with undergraduate data from two classes (N=282), our research compares six representation learning methods, including an improved, custom version of attention-based Graphic Convolutional Network, affirming the superior efficacy of our enhanced approach in extracting seating features. By doing so, our study broadens the application scenarios of social comparison theory and group dynamics theory, while also providing a feasible best-practice reference for network-based instructional modeling.

The role of snapchat in shaping workplace behavior and productivity

PurposeThis paper explores the influence of Snapchat on workplace behavior, focusing on employee productivity, mental health and organizational policies. It examines how Millennials and Generation Z use Snapchat professionally, with implications for management strategies and workplace culture.Design/methodology/approachThe paper provides a conceptual analysis grounded in existing literature and theoretical frameworks, including uses and gratifications theory, social comparison theory and attention economy theory. The analysis covers the psychological effects of social media validation, social comparisons and the impact of Snapchat on attention and task management. Management strategies such as policy development and employee training are also examined.FindingsSnapchat positively impacts communication and team bonding but presents challenges to productivity, mental well-being and data security. The platform’s design encourages both community building and distractions. Organizations can mitigate these issues through effective policies, training and mental health support.Originality/valueThis paper offers a unique contribution by focusing specifically on Snapchat and its workplace impact. It addresses the balance between the benefits of social media and its drawbacks, presenting practical strategies for organizations to manage Snapchat usage effectively while maintaining productivity and supporting employee well-being.

IMPROVEMENT OF THE TEST METHODOLOGY OF AIRCRAFT VIDEO RECORDING EQUIPMENT UNDER THE CONDITIONS OF A SPECIAL PERIOD

The introduction of weapons and military equipment at the stage of Russia's armed aggression requires the rational use of human resources, standard means of measurement, registration and indication as part of measurement systems and further processing of the results obtained in automated systems for collecting and processing information for its use during tests of serial (modernized) samples of OVT. The rapid development of technical means of measurement, transformation and exchange of data within and between systems require the improvement of test methods for video recording of aircraft, which take into account the peculiarities of the development of electronic equipment of aviation equipment and are based on a unified approach to the problem of optimal use of resources. Modern means of video registration have quite justifiably been widely used in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The research was conducted using the methods of the theory of system analysis, synthesis, comparison, and generalization. The purpose of the article is to develop a typical methodology for testing aircraft video recording equipment in the conditions of a special period. To achieve the goal, the following was done: to analyze the existing methods of testing domestic and foreign aircraft video registration means; to consider an improved model of functioning and the technology of conducting tests of means of video registration of aircraft with a reduction in volume; to develop a typical methodology for conducting tests of aircraft video registration devices in the conditions of a special period. The results of the analysis should be taken into account when justifying ways to reduce the amount of tests in the conditions of a special

Proactive employees perceive coworker ostracism: The moderating effect of team envy and the behavioral outcome of production deviance.

As the workplace becomes more team based, interpersonal relationships at work are a central topic that affects both employees and the organization. Despite ample evidence showing the detrimental effects of workplace ostracism on employees' health and productivity, why someone is ostracized by others at work warrants more research. Based on social comparison theory, we predict that task proactivity could be perceived negatively and can elicit ostracism from team members; this effect is dependent upon the boundary condition of team envy. Furthermore, perceived coworker ostracism explains why task proactivity may turn into production deviance. We tested these predictions based on data from 630 employees in 131 teams collected in various industries in China. The results showed that individual-level task proactivity positively predicted coworker ostracism perceived by the proactive employee, and this relationship was moderated by team envy. Task proactivity was indirectly and positively related to production deviance via perceived coworker ostracism, especially in teams with high levels of team envy. Based on these results, we suggest that proactive employees need to be aware of possible unexpected interpersonal consequences in the workplace, given that proactive work behaviors may elicit unwanted and unintended treatment from team members. Managers should monitor team contextual factors, which may affect the extent to which good soldiers turn into bad apples. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Social comparison and self‐determination in luxury consumption motivations

AbstractThis study integrates social comparison theory) and self‐determination theory to examine the roles of escapism, conformity, and individual cultural values in shaping luxury brand attitudes. Concepts related to consumer upward and downward social comparison are complemented by aspects related to self‐determination and autonomy. Drawing on survey data from the United States and Colombia, the research employs partial least squares structural equation modeling and fuzzy‐set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to investigate the complex drivers of luxury consumption. The findings reveal that escapism and conformity, complementary motivations grounded in social comparison and self‐determination theories, positively influence luxury brand attitudes. Furthermore, individual cultural values, such as self‐enhancement and self‐transcendence, moderate the relationships between these consumer motivations and attitudes. The cross‐cultural comparison highlights differences in the influence of cultural values on luxury consumption between two distinct cultures. The fsQCA—results uncover distinct configurations of motivations and values sufficient for driving positive luxury attitudes, extending the understanding of the complex interplay of factors shaping luxury consumption. By integrating social comparison theory and self‐determination theory perspectives, examining cultural values, and employing advanced methodological approaches, this study contributes to the theoretical understanding of luxury consumption. It also offers valuable insights for luxury brand managers navigating the evolving global market. Future research directions emphasize the potential for further integrating these two theoretical frameworks in the luxury domain.

Social comparison on Instagram, and its relationship with self-esteem and body-esteem

BackgroundPrevious research has shown that online social comparison can affect perceptions of self-esteem and body image.Purpose of the studyThis study focussed on social comparison on Instagram and its relationship with levels of self-esteem and body-esteem.Materials and methodsLevels of self-esteem and body-esteem were measured using self-report questionnaires, before and after viewing Instagram images eliciting upward, downward, or no comparison.ResultsStatistical analysis showed self-esteem and body-esteem scores significantly increased after downward comparison, with no change in scores following a neutral condition. Body-esteem scores significantly decreased after upward comparison, whilst self-esteem scores did not. Support for social comparison theory is provided.ConclusionsFuture research and implications are discussed, such as educating young people about posting and viewing of overly positive images on social media. Social media organisations could provide access to resources which provide advice about mental health issues and support for individuals wanting to discuss body image issues. Future research could potentially establish if participants’ views about eating change after engaging in differing levels of social comparison on Instagram.

Bothered More by Acquaintances’ Appearance than Celebrities’ on Social Networks: An Investigation of Comparison Targets’ Effect under Social Comparison Theory with a Chinese Student Sample

In times of the rise of the “A4 waist” trend on social networks (SNs), concerns have been raised over appearance-related content’s adverse effects on body image and well-being in parasocial relationships. We conducted a survey on Chinese college students ( N = 333) to examine the effects of comparison targets (same-gender acquaintances, celebrities, and online strangers) based on social comparison theory. The results indicate that, in line with construal-level theory, students paid more attention to the appearance-related content of same-gender acquaintances than that of the other two target groups. Surprisingly, small gaps in physical attraction between the students and acquaintances generated more appearance concern than the huge gaps between the students and celebrities, which could be explained by the “narcissism of small differences” theory. We developed existing comparison target studies by including the impact of online strangers to adapt to the current SN environment. Although the students paid the least attention to strangers’ SN appearance-related content, exposure to such content had a positive correlation with appearance concern. Regarding gender differences, females devoted more to SN appearance-related content than males across all three target groups, but the concern generated from viewing such content differed only when the targets were celebrities (females > males). The present study expands social comparison theory by introducing a two-dimensional (similarity and interaction forms) concept of “social distance.” Our findings suggest that socially close targets received more attention and comparisons and generated more concern about appearance.

Housewife Blogger and The Paradoxical Influence in Gender Roles and Self-Perception

The rise of digital media platforms, notably TikTok, has seen the emergence of housewife bloggers sharing their daily chores. Initially driven by interest, these bloggers have transitioned into a profession marked by standardized content and commercialization. While offering career opportunities, their portrayal of household chores reinforces traditional gender roles. This article discusses the reason why housewife bloggers are popular from the aspects of emotional resonance and social comparison theory, summarizes the common features of these bloggers as “protagonist rather than dominant”, “limited space and repetitive labor” and “performing ‘reality’ ”, and thus explores the paradoxical impact of housewives integrating into society to create value and further imprisoning themselves in this identity or feeling anxious about not being able to create direct value, shedding light on its implications for gender roles and self-perception in the digital age, providing new thinking for the impact of digital media on social life from the perspective of gender division of labor.