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Beautifying augmented reality face filters (AR-FF) have been linked to reduced body satisfaction, particularly in young women. Social comparison theory has been used to explain this negative effect through upward social comparisons against the beautified version of oneself. However, downward comparisons have received little attention, though their investigation could have critical theoretical and practical implications. This proof-of-concept study evaluated whether the type of face filter has an effect on body satisfaction in young female students (N = 76) by comparing uglifying (downwards) and beautifying (upwards) face filters in a between-subjects experiment. Additionally, the moderating roles of self-esteem and self-identification with a filtered depiction were investigated. Exposure to beautifying face filters decreased body satisfaction, while no significant effect was detected for uglifying face filters. Furthermore, the effect of beautifying face filters was moderated by self-esteem but not self-identification, while there were no interactions for uglifying face filters. Possible implications and future research opportunities are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social virtual reality (SVR) attempts to allow for connections akin to face-to-face communication (Ftf). Yet, it is unclear whether the technology successfully mimics Ftf or more closely resembles other mediated communication channels. This study empirically compares SVR and other communication channels in terms of perceived social affordances, privacy, and trust through a between-subjects online survey (n = 743). Findings indicate that SVR and Ftf are similar regarding some perceived affordances (e.g., personalization) but differ with respect to others (e.g., anonymity, presence). Additionally, SVR is perceived as significantly distinct from one or multiple mediated channels for almost every measured social affordance. While SVR is seen as offering relatively greater levels of affordances that benefit interpersonal interaction, privacy concerns and a lack of trust in other users were found to often characterize the current user experience. This study provides theoretical insights for affordance research and practical implications for SVR designers. • SVR uniquely affords aspects of both Ftf and mediated communication. • Patterns of perceived social affordances reflect SVR's relative level of synchronicity compared to other channels. • Communication benefits of SVR may relate to enhanced expression through anonymity. • Optimizing SVR for communication may require addressing pronounced privacy fears and resistance to trusting strangers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study identifies the potential mechanisms to reveal the differential relationships between social- and personal-based comparisons and self-presentation and self-exaggeration. Specifically, drawing upon cognitive emotion theory, this study explores the relationships between two types of comparisons (i.e., social comparison and life dissatisfaction) and negative emotions (e.g., envy and shame), which further leads to self-presentation and self-exaggeration. The data analysis results based on a survey of 529 users from a famous social networking site indicate that (1) both social comparison and life dissatisfaction tend to arouse envy, whereas only social comparison tends to evoke shame; (2) self-presentation is positively associated with envy and negatively associated with shame whereas self-exaggeration is positively associated with both envy and shame; and (3) the relationship between self-presentation on self-exaggeration is moderated by perceived verifiability. Finally, we discuss the theoretical contributions and offer some practical suggestions. • This study reveals the differential mechanisms driving self-presentation and self-exaggeration. • Social comparison and life dissatisfaction are associated with envy and shame. • Envy is positively associated with self-presentation and self-exaggeration. • Shame is negatively associated with self-presentation but positively with self-exaggeration. • Perceived verifiability moderates the relationship between self-presentation and self-exaggeration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the effects of Instagram fitspiration images on male viewers' work out intention by integrating the processes of social comparison and social cognitive theory. The results from 1428 Instagram users in Taiwan, with the directions of comparison (upward, lateral, and downward) manipulated, indicate that upward comparisons with attractive models would strengthen self-improvement motives related to working out. In addition, pleasant affective responses to the images and one's self-efficacy for working out were also significant predictors. However, model attractiveness revealed a negative, direct effect on work out intention, suggesting that a seemingly rewarding model behavior itself discourages viewer imitation. Implications are discussed to contribute the understanding about male audiences' reactions to the same-sex body images associated with physical training. The findings verifying both the psychological and behavioral impacts of social influence also help demonstrate a more comprehensive picture about promoting exercise as a positive outcome of fitspiration imagery exposure. • The viewer's motivation, post-viewing emotion and self-efficacy define fitspiration. • Upward comparisons with attractive models motivate self-improvement via workouts. • Self-improvement motives and self-efficacy positively predict work out intention. • Model attractiveness has a direct but negative effect on work out intention. • Post-viewing emotion mitigates the negative impact of model attractiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research has shown that social influence can be leveraged as a persuasive strategy to elicit beneficial behaviors, especially if it is tailored to the target audience. However, research on the impact of personality traits on users' susceptibility to social influence is scarce. To bridge this gap, using a sample of 350 participants, we investigate: (1) the personality-based determinants of users' susceptibility to three social influence strategies—Social Learning, Social Proof and Social Comparison—which are currently being employed in persuasive applications to motivate users to engage in beneficial behaviors; and (2) the moderating effect of gender. Our results reveal that Neuroticism is the most consistent determinant of users' susceptibility to social influence, followed by Openness and Conscientiousness. Specifically, we found that: (1) individuals who are high in Neuroticism are more likely to be susceptible to all three social influence strategies than individuals who are low in Neuroticism ; (2) individuals who are low in Openness are more likely to be susceptible to Social Proof and Social Comparison than individuals who are high in Openness ; and (3) individuals who are low in Conscientiousness are more likely to be susceptible to Social Learning and Social Poof than individuals who are high in Conscientiousness. Finally, based on our findings, we provide a number of design guidelines for personalizing persuasive applications to users who are high in Neuroticism , low in Conscientiousness and/or low in Openness. • Users who are high in Neuroticism are more likely to be susceptible to Social Learning, Social Proof and Social Comparison. • Users who are low in Openness are more likely to be susceptible to Social Proof and Social Comparison. • Users who are low in Conscientiousness are more likely to be susceptible to Social Learning and Social Poof. • The relationships between Neuroticism / Openness / Conscientiousness and the three social influence strategies cut across gender. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper was to investigate the effect of different types of TikTok dance challenge videos on young women's body satisfaction. Study 1 involved 262 women aged between 18 and 25 years, who were randomly assigned to watch TikTok videos featuring either thin dancers, large dancers, or amusing animal videos. Body satisfaction significantly increased after watching large dancer TikTok videos and decreased after watching thin dancer TikTok videos, although this decrease was not significant. Study 2 replicated and extended study 1 and involved 280 women aged between 18 and 25 years. Females body satisfaction significantly decreased after watching the thin dancer TikTok videos and significantly increased after watching the large dancer TikTok videos. There was no significant difference between the participants in terms of state appearance comparison. Females in the thin dancer condition engaged in upward social comparison, whereas the females in the large dancer condition engaged in downward social compression. The impact of video type was not moderated either by trait appearance comparison, or thin ideal internalization. The effect of video type was not mediated by state appearance comparison but was fully mediated by the direction of social comparison. Study 3 involved 375 women aged between 18 and 25 years and found that body satisfaction was lower after watching the thin dancers than after watching the large dancers. This study shows that findings from the previous two studies could not be explained by the demand characteristics in the design of these studies. All three studies show that exposure to large dancers on TikTok has a positive impact on women's body satisfaction, whereas exposure to thin dancers has a negative impact on women's body satisfaction. The implications of these findings for the design of social media are discussed. • We examined the effect of TikTok dance challenge videos on body satisfaction. • Watching large dancer TikTok videos had a positive effect on body satisfaction. • Watching thin dancer TikTok videos had a negative effect on body satisfaction. • Appearance comparison mediated the effect of TikTok dance videos on body satisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two studies tested differences in reported (Study 1, N = 197) and perceived (Study 2, N = 875) level of exaggerated emotional responses published on four online platforms: Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, and email. We found differences between platforms that may reflect divergent communication norms. Participants judged the level of exaggeration by comparing a given message to a message that they would have published as well as to the norms that govern the communication platform. Overall, participants reported that they exaggerated less than other users. Content format (text, picture, or video) and perceived privacy level moderated the impact of the platform on judgment of exaggeration. We suggest that since online media filter out communication cues, users tend to amplify their emotional responses. This amplification generates an atmosphere in which exaggerating is the norm of communication. • We examined reported and perceived level of online exaggerated emotional responses. • We found differences between Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, and email that may reflect divergent communication norms. • Content type and privacy levels moderated perception of online exaggeration. • Participants reported that their online exaggeration was less frequent than exaggeration by other users. • Amplification of emotional response compensating the lack of communication cues, and this exaggeration become the norm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drawing from the literature on narcissism, social comparison, and eating disorder, two experiments examined the interaction effects of exposure to different types of body image presented in Instagrammers' photos, photo posters' Instafame, and peer Instagrammers' individual difference factors on dieting intention. Experiment 1 ( N  = 230) tested two-way interaction effects between Instagrammers' posts (selfies vs. group selfies vs. photos taken by others vs. neutral photos) and peer Instagrammers' individual difference factors (narcissism, social comparison, and eating disorder). Experiment 2 ( N  = 322) tested three-way interaction effects among Instagram posts (selfies vs. group selfies vs. photos taken by others vs. neutral photos), Instafame (high followers vs. low followers), and peer viewers' individual difference factors (narcissism, social comparison, and eating disorder). Experiment 1 provides robust findings about the moderating effects Instagrammers' photos have on the association between peer Instagrammers' individual difference factors and their dieting intention. Experiment 2 sheds some lights on the moderating roles of Instagrammers' photos and Instafame. The results of both experiments signify the importance of examining the influence of social media users’ psychological characteristics in understanding the effects of exposure to social media posts. Theoretical contributions to the extant literature on body image and practical implications for social media-based health campaigns about weight management, dieting, and eating disorder are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social network users often see their online friends post about experiential purchases (such as traveling experiences) and material purchases (such as newly purchased gadgets). Three studies (total N  = 798) were conducted to investigate which type of purchase triggers more envy on Social Network Sites (SNSs) and explored its underlying mechanism. We consistently found that experiential purchases triggered more envy than material purchases did. This effect existed when people looked at instances at their own Facebook News Feeds (Study 1), in a controlled scenario experiment (Study 2), and in a general survey (Study 3). Study 1 and 2 confirmed that experiential purchases increased envy because they were more self-relevant than material purchases. In addition, we found (in Study 1 and 3) that people shared their experiential purchases more frequently than material purchases on Facebook. So why do people often share experiential purchases that are likely to elicit envy in others? One answer provided in Study 3 is that people actually think that material purchases will trigger more envy. This paper provides insight into how browsing SNSs can lead to envy. It contributes to the research on experiential vs. material purchases and the emotion of envy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social network sites (SNSs) are considered a convenient platform for social comparison. Current SNS social comparison research typically focuses on the activity of SNS browsing, which overlooks other use patterns available in the social media environment. Also, little research recognizes the two-dimensional nature of social comparison. Drawing on literature of social comparison and the activity-audience framework of social media use, we studied social comparison as a personal characteristic (social comparison orientation; SCO) relating to college students’ social adjustment via various Instagram activities and interactants. Implications of both dimensions of SCO were explored through survey data from 208 U.S. college undergraduates ( M age  = 19.43, 78% female). Social comparison orientation of ability (SCO-Ability) was related to poorer college social adjustment whereas social comparison orientation of opinion (SCO-Opinion) was related to better adjustment. Both types of SCO had a positive indirect association with adjustment via more frequent Instagram interaction with on-campus friends. SCO-Opinion was related to more Instagram interaction with off-campus friends, which was related to poorer social adjustment, but the overall indirect path was non-significant. Both types of SCO were also related to more frequent Instagram browsing. The study underscores the significance of recognizing SCO as a two-dimensional construct and illustrates how SCO can associate with social well-being in the social media context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

People frequently share information about their intimate relationships on Facebook and this information can be used by other users as material for romantic social comparisons. In a pilot study, participants indicated that photos, communication between the individuals in the couple, and indications of support were important for relationship comparisons. How individuals interpret relationship comparisons when exposed to a friend's or acquaintance's Facebook profile can impact the self and one's relationship. Two experiments manipulated upward and downward relationship comparisons using mocked-up Facebook profiles of a young, attractive, heterosexual couple. That is, participants were exposed to the equivalent of an acquaintance's Facebook profile. Manipulated comparison direction predicted individual's relationship social comparison interpretations (RSCI). Direct effects of the RSCI and indirect effects of the manipulated comparison direction through RSCI on relationship quality, attention to alternatives, and personal well-being were found indicating that how individuals interpreted the relationship comparison was important. Individuals may react more strongly to comparisons with close others as opposed to distant others (Tesser, 1988), suggesting that comparisons with actual friends on Facebook could have a larger impact. Future research will continue to examine how online relationship comparisons to friends may influence long-term consequences of these interpretations (e.g., stay/leave decisions). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This experiment examined the influence of Dark Personalities in trolling behaviour towards popular and less popular Facebook profiles. One-hundred and thirty-five participants were recruited to view two fake Facebook profiles and rate how much they would agree with some trolling comments to each profile, as well as how they perceived themselves in comparison to each profile in terms of social acceptance and rank. In addition, participants completed the Short Dark Personality Questionnaire. Results suggested Psychopathy was positively associated with trolling behaviours while Narcissism was associated with a tendency to see oneself superior to others. Moreover, the higher the Psychopathy score the more likely the participants would troll the popular profile. On the other hand, the higher the Narcissism score the more likely participants were to perceive themselves as superior to the popular profile. These analyses revealed the different influence Dark Personality traits play on different behavioural tendencies. Dynamics among the Dark Personalities in relationship with online behaviours and the implications of the study are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first aim of this study was to investigate the concurrent and longitudinal relationships between adolescents' use of social network sites (SNSs) and their social self-esteem. The second aim was to investigate whether the valence of the feedback that adolescents receive on SNSs can explain these relationships. We conducted a three-wave panel study among 852 pre- and early adolescents (10–15 years old). In line with earlier research, we found significant concurrent correlations between adolescents' SNS use and their social self-esteem in all three data waves. The longitudinal results only partly confirmed these concurrent findings: Adolescents' initial SNS use did not significantly influence their social self-esteem in subsequent years. In contrast, their initial social self-esteem consistently influenced their SNS use in subsequent years. The valence of online feedback from close friends and acquaintances explained the concurrent relationship between SNS use and social self-esteem, but not the longitudinal relationship. Results are discussed in terms of their methodological and theoretical implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Browsing Instagram is a daily practice for many teens, yet the relationship between social browsing and psychological well-being remains controversial. Recent research finds that negative social comparisons mediate the relationship between social browsing and ill-being outcomes, such as depression. The current study systematically examined the role of negative comparisons in the relationship between Instagram browsing and affective well-being immediately post-browsing. Teens (n = 507) participated in an online survey that included an Instagram browsing experience. Participants were randomly assigned to a ‘highlight reel’ condition or to one of two browsing interventions designed to reduce affective consequences of comparison. Participants completed the Positive and Negative Affect Scales (PANAS) pre- and post-browsing and reported social comparisons in response to the featured accounts. Regression analyses controlling for baseline emotions indicate that regardless of browsing condition, teens who reported higher levels of negative social comparison had significantly worse post-browsing affect than peers who reported less negative comparison to the stimuli. No main effects of browsing condition were found. However, browsing condition moderated the relationship between social comparison and affective well-being: the interventions reduced post-browsing negative affect for those at higher levels of negative comparison. Results suggest differential responses to both social browsing and social media interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Applying uses and gratifications theory (UGT) and social capital theory, our study examined users of four social networking sites (SNSs) (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat), and their influence on online bridging and bonding social capital. Results ( N = 297) found that Twitter users had the highest bridging social capital, followed by Instagram, Facebook, and Snapchat, while Snapchat users had the highest bonding social capital, followed by Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. SNS intensity, trust, tie strength, homophily, privacy concerns, introversion, and attention to social comparison were also found to moderate the relationship between SNS use and online bridging and bonding social capital. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social comparisons on social networking sites can be problematic for some individuals. However, this has never been examined in a parenting context, where the pressure for mothers to portray themselves as “perfect parents” may be high. The aim of the current study was to examine associations between making social comparisons on social networking sites with mothers’ parenting, mental health, and romantic relationship outcomes. In the iMom Project , 721 mothers completed a number of questionnaires regarding their social media use, parenting behaviors, and health outcomes. Results revealed that making social comparisons on social networking sites was related to parenting outcomes (in the form of higher levels of parental role overload, and lower levels of parental competence and perceived social support), relationship outcomes (in the form of more conflict over social networking sites and perceiving less positive coparenting relationships) and higher levels of maternal depression. This study adds to a growing literature suggesting that making social comparisons online may be associated with a number of negative outcomes, and extends it to the context of mothering. This study has implications for the way that mothers use social media, specifically in the use of social comparisons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies have explored the predictors of selfie-posting, but rarely investigated selfie-editing, a virtual makeover for online self-presentation. This study, based on social comparison theory, examined a psychological pathway from individual characteristics to selfie-editing behavior through social comparison. It was hypothesized that selfie-taking, public self-consciousness, social media use, and satisfaction with facial appearance would indirectly influence selfie-editing through social comparison of appearance (with friends or social media influencers/celebrities). A two-wave longitudinal online survey was conducted in South Korea among female smartphone users aged 20 to 39 ( N = 1064 at Wave 1 and 782 at Wave 2). The results revealed that frequent selfie-taking, higher levels of public self-consciousness, and more use of social media at Wave 1 were associated with social comparison with friends at Wave 1, which increased selfie-editing behavior at Wave 2. However, those three independent variables did not have indirect effects on selfie-editing at Wave 2 through social comparison with influencers/celebrities. Also, satisfaction with facial appearance had neither direct nor indirect effect on selfie-editing at Wave 2. The findings suggest that individuals engage in social comparison and resulting selfie-editing not because of their dissatisfaction with appearance, but because of the desire for more ideal online self-presentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite a plethora of social media use research, surprisingly little is known about what social media users post about, and, more importantly, why. In three studies (N = 1,140), we present novel evidence for a disposition describing individual differences in the desire to display belonging on social media: the desire to belong publicly (DTBP). We validate an eight-item DTBP scale, encompassing the desire to display both a high quantity (e.g., having many friends) and a high quality of belonging (e.g., having close friends) on social media. The scale shows good internal consistency and test-retest reliability over two weeks. DTBP is related to, but conceptually distinct from neighboring constructs such as need to belong and need for popularity, as well as other personality dimensions known to drive social media behaviors such as extraversion, public self-consciousness, and social comparison propensity. DTBP is related to indicators of active and passive social media use, daily use of social media, frequency of posting about belonging, and social media addiction, above and beyond other constructs, and on different social media platforms (i.e., Instagram and Facebook). In sum, DTBP is a reliable and valid construct that aids the understanding of why and how individuals use social media. • We present a novel trait, the Desire to Belong Publicly (DTBP), the individual desire to display belonging on social media. • We validate a reliable 8-item DTBP scale that is applicable to different social media platforms (3 studies, N = 1140). • DTBP relates to social media use above and beyond various established constructs. • We add to research into content and motivation for social media postings, rather than focusing on frequency of use solely. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A growing body of research examines social comparison on Facebook, a social media environment where users can present optimized versions of themselves. To grasp the complexity of social comparison on Facebook, the researchers followed Helgeson and Mickelson’s (1995) functional approach, focusing on motives (i.e., self-enhancement, self-improvement, self-evaluation, and self-destruction) rather than fixed targets (i.e., downward, upward, and unilateral comparison) of social comparison. Social comparison motivations were explored in relation to self-esteem and affective consequences of comparison. A college-student sample ( N = 267) reported engaging in social comparison frequently on Facebook and low-self-esteem (LSE) individuals were more likely than those with higher self-esteem (HSE) to compare themselves to others on Facebook for self-evaluation, self-enhancement, self-improvement, and self-destruction motives. Moreover, LSEs perceived increased levels of social comparison on Facebook, although the relationship between self-esteem and actual social comparison behavior proved non-significant. Significant moderating effects of self-esteem were observed in the relationship between motivation and affect. A self-improvement motive produced greater positive affect among HSEs compared to LSEs, while self-enhancement motives engendered positive affect more prominently among LSEs compared to HSEs. The paper also begins to distill a popular phenomenon, Facebook fatigue, in social comparison empirical work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On October 4, 2021, a severe technical service failure of Meta (previously Facebook) caused a worldwide "outage" for 6 h. Billions of people, not able to access their social media accounts, experienced different levels of stress. This study took advantage of these unique circumstances to test the stress caused by sudden lack of online access using three main factors: the fear of missing out (FoMO) effect, social media intensity, and demographic factors. In the two days immediately following this event, we conducted an online survey, with 571 adults responding. Using both quantitative and qualitative analyses, data were collected to explore the emotional experiences and predictors of the stress adults underwent during the social media outage. The content analysis revealed four types of reactions: (1) feeling anxious at first, but then feeling better after realizing the outage was global; (2) having only negative feelings; (3) having only positive feelings and even experiencing a version of the joy of missing out (JoMO); and (4) feeling indifferent. A hierarchical regression indicated that stress can be significantly predicted by FoMO, social media intensity, emotional experience, age, and marital status. In addition, FoMO and intensity were found to be mediators between age and stress. Finally, we found associations between stress and gender and employment, with self-employed women experiencing less stress than men and not self-employed women experiencing more stress than men. The findings are discussed in light of the FoMO vs. JoMO effects, the social comparison theory, and the role of demographic factors in reducing or increasing stress when social media is not available. • This study tested stress caused by the social networks' October 4, 2021 outage. • We used both quantitative and qualitative methods to explore the emotional experience. • Content analysis revealed 4 types of reactions, including joy of missing out (JoMO). • FoMO, Internet intensity, age, and marital status were found as predictors of stress. • A significant interaction was found between gender and employment regarding stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Selective Exposure Theory (Aruguete & Calvo, 2018; Bigné et al., 2020) suggests that on social media, viewers pay most attention to content which aligns with their values and preferences. Individuals engage in self-assessment by comparing themselves to others (Social comparison theory: Festinger, 1954). We predicted that the characteristics of Instagram arrays and participants' own body satisfaction would combine to influence their visual processing of computer-based images. A 3 (Body Shape: Underweight, Average, Overweight) × 2 (Body Part: Face-only; Body-only) repeated measures design was used. We recruited 60 (young) women to view arrays of images as displayed on Instagram [ M age = 20.75 years, SD age = 2.74 years]. A separate, naïve group of 37 participants rated 165 stimulus images on a scale of under-to-over-weight. These normed images were used to create artificial, ecologically-valid 3 × 4 Instagram image arrays containing two of each type of stimulus image. We recorded participants' eye movements with a high degree of spatial and temporal resolution while participants freely engaged with these arrays. We then collected participants' body satisfaction data (Slade et al., 1990). Results demonstrated inter-relationships between eye movement behaviour and Body Shape, Body Part, and body satisfaction. In short, both bottom-up stimulus characteristics and top-down satisfaction impacted measures of processing. Image content was particularly relevant to 'when' measures of processing time, whereas body satisfaction was more-influential upon 'where' measurements (fixations counts, number of visits per stimulus image). Our study is the first of its kind to show such effects. Future research is needed to understand such effects in clinical and/or non-female users of Instagram and other platforms. • Bottom-up and top-down factors had differential effects on 'where' and 'when' eye movement measures. • Participants selectively attended to bodies vs. faces, and underweight and average vs. overweight images. • Participants avoided looking at images which reflected their own areas of lower body satisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social media has drastically increased the amount of parenting content that mothers encounter in their day-to-day lives. Among this content is an abundance of idealized portrayals of motherhood, which may be putting increased pressure on mothers and negatively affecting their mental health. This study was designed to provide evidence that new mothers make comparisons to motherhood portrayals on social media and that exposure to idealized portrayals can have harmful effects. In an online experiment, 464 new mothers (i.e., mothers with a child 3 years old or younger) in the United States were exposed to 20 Instagram posts portraying motherhood that varied in idealization (i.e., idealized vs. non-idealized portrayal) and source (i.e., posted by a mommy influencer vs. an everyday mother). The mothers then responded to measures including state social comparison, perceived similarity, envy, and state anxiety. The findings illustrate that new mothers make greater social comparisons and perceive more similarity to portrayals that are non-idealized (vs. idealized) and to portrayals that are from everyday social media mothers (vs. mommy influencers). Regardless of the source (everyday mother or mommy influencer), idealized posts cause significantly higher levels of envy and state anxiety, which may be detrimental to mothers' mental health. • Instagram posts idealize motherhood and parenting. • New mothers compare themselves to other mothers they see on Instagram. • New mothers make greater social comparisons to moms who are similar to them. • Idealized portrayals of motherhood on Instagram increase envy and state anxiety. • Social media motherhood posts can be harmful to new mothers' mental health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social media has widely permeated the workplace because of its potential benefits. Nowadays, it is not surprising that employees browse what friends are sharing on social media (e.g., Facebook and WeChat) during working hours. But interestingly, people tend to present themselves in a positive manner and thus selectively share positive information (e.g., positive profiles, images, or living situations) on social media platforms for others to browse. This would easily cause feelings like "how successful they are" and "I am so inferior to them" when employees browse social media information. What does this mean for their job performance? Findings from our two-wave longitudinal survey suggest that employees comparing themselves with friends who are better off on social media would fall into ego-depletion, which further reduces their job performance. Moreover, employees' preferences for online social interaction can exacerbate this process. Although short breaks obtained from using social media may help employees better engage in subsequent work tasks, the present research suggests managers be wary of the dark side of social media stemming from social comparison. This research contributes to the literature regarding employee social media use by focusing on its dark side from the lens of online social comparison. • Employees browsing social media information may fall into online social comparison. • The dark side of social media usage was examined from the lens of online social comparison. • Upward social comparison on social media can harm employee job performance via ego-depletion. • Preference for online social interaction can exacerbate the negative impact of social comparison. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the study was to explore whether personality traits moderate the association between social comparison on Facebook and subjective well-being, measured as both life satisfaction and eudaimonic well-being. Data were collected via an online questionnaire which measured Facebook use, social comparison behavior and personality traits for 337 respondents. The results showed positive associations between Facebook intensity and both measures of subjective well-being, and negative associations between Facebook social comparison and both measures of subjective well-being. Personality traits were assessed by the Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory personality questionnaire, which revealed that Reward Interest was positively associated with eudaimonic well-being, and Goal-Drive Persistence was positively associated with both measures of subjective well-being. Impulsivity was negatively associated with eudaimonic well-being and the Behavioral Inhibition System was negatively associated with both measures of subjective well-being. Interactions between personality traits and social comparison on Facebook indicated that for respondents with high Goal-Drive Persistence, Facebook social comparison had a positive association with eudaimonic well-being, thus confirming that some personality traits moderate the association between Facebook social comparison and subjective well-being. The results of this study highlight how individual differences in personality may impact how social comparison on Facebook affects individuals’ subjective well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have investigated the role of social comparison on Facebook. The social comparison process occurring on Facebook and its impacts, however, has not been fully captured. Thus, the present study examined the associations among Facebook use, social comparison orientation on Facebook (SCOF), and psychological outcomes represented by perceived social support and mental health. Also, the role of self-esteem and impression management was explored as antecedents of SCOF. Using a sample of college students ( N = 313), the study found a positive association between Facebook use and SCOF. Facebook use was positively associated with perceived social support, yet it was not significantly associated with mental health. The study also found a negative association between SCOF and mental health. However, there was no significant association between SCOF and perceived social support. Finally, both self-esteem and impression management were positively associated with SCOF. Theoretical implications were discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Facebook use is analyzed depending on age and occurrence of social comparisons. The hypotheses state that age is negatively associated with Facebook use and that this association is mediated by social comparison orientation. Data collection was realized via the Internet. The online-questionnaire included information on Facebook use on the basis of a behavioral report (cf., McAndrew & Jeong, 2012), an inventory for measuring social comparison orientation by Gibbons and Buunk (1999), and demographic questions. Results are based on 335 participants. They confirm both the negative association between age and frequency of Facebook activities and the mediation of this association by comparison orientation. These results are interpreted on the basis of evolutionary theory. This study offers new insights on the mediating role of social comparisons in the relationship between age and Facebook use. In the discussion suggestions for further routes of research on the link between age, comparison orientation, and Facebook use are outlined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present two experimental studies examined the extent to which upward and downward comparison processes on Facebook influence people's state self-esteem. Participants were exposed to mock-up Facebook profiles of female and male targets with many or few Facebook friends. Participant sex was also included in the experimental design. In Study 1, a 2 (number of Facebook friends) × 2 (profile owner sex) × 2 (participant sex) experimental design was employed. Unexpectedly, the manipulation had no significant impact on people's state self-esteem. In Study 2, it was examined whether there would be a curvilinear relationship between the number of other's Facebook friends and participant's self-esteem, in that exposure to others with many or few Facebook friends increases self-esteem compared to others with a moderate number of Facebook friends. Hence, Study 2 employed a 3 (number of Facebook friends) × 2 (profile owner sex) × 2 (participant sex) between-participants experimental design. However, there was neither a linear nor a curvilinear impact of the number of other's Facebook friends on participant's level of state self-esteem. Both studies also revealed that the effects were not more pronounced when participants were exposed to same-sex rather than other-sex Facebook profiles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Media commonly feature imagery that celebrates idealized bodies and researchers have observed the adverse effects of such depictions. Although video games commonly feature idealized bodies, experimental work investigating the effects of game characters on body image disturbance remains underrepresented. This trend is surprising as the preponderance of hyper-muscular male and hyper-sexualized female characters speaks to the heteronormative, masculine fantasies often given prominence in game content. Using social comparison theory, the current work investigated how ideal and hyper-ideal video game bodies affected women's (study 1) and men's (study 2) body image dissatisfaction. The study also compared these outcomes to a non-exposure control condition. Generally, the data provided evidence that hyper-idealized game characters negatively affected men but positively affected women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On Facebook, users are exposed to posts from both strong and weak ties. Even though several studies have examined the emotional consequences of using Facebook, less attention has been paid to the role of tie strength. This paper aims to explore the emotional outcomes of reading a post on Facebook and examine the role of tie strength in predicting happiness and envy. Two studies – one correlational, based on a sample of 207 American participants and the other experimental, based on a sample of 194 German participants – were conducted in 2014. In Study 2, envy was further distinguished into benign and malicious envy. Based on a multi-method approach, the results showed that positive emotions are more prevalent than negative emotions while browsing Facebook. Moreover, tie strength is positively associated with the feeling of happiness and benign envy, whereas malicious envy is independent of tie strength after reading a (positive) post on Facebook. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is increasing scholarly interest in the effects of social media use on women's body image. Here, we tested the utility of the Tripartite Influence Model – developed for traditional media influences on body image – in explaining the link between intensity of social media use and body image outcomes in young adult women from the United States (N = 579). The study tested a serial indirect mediation effect linking intensity of social media use and body esteem outcomes via internalization and social comparison, as well as a direct effect between intensity of social media use and body esteem measures. The results broadly supported for the applicability of the model. Internalization of appearance ideals and social comparison, respectively, were significant mediators of the relationship between intensity of social media use and body image outcomes. However, the direct link between intensity of social media use and body image was more equivocal. The overall findings suggest possible pathways through which intensity of social media use may influence body image outcomes in young adult women. • Internalization of appearance ideals mediates the relationship between social media use and body image. • Social comparison mediates the relationship between social media use and body image. • The direct link between social media use and body image was more equivocal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of the social network service environment, we explore how discrete emotions—envy and shame, in particular—may mediate the effects of social comparison on behavior intention and psychological responses. Based on the survey responses of 446 university students, the results suggest that social comparison to media figures correlates with a range of emotional responses as well as with behavioral intention and psychological responses. Envy maintained a significantly greater association with switch intention as a behavioral intention compared to shame. Conversely, shame was significantly related to burnout as a psychological response. Further, mediational analyses were consistent with the argument that envy and shame mediate the social comparison–outcome variables relationship. This research helps to illuminate the driving mechanism for the emotional effect that social comparison on social network service could elicit from a user. This predicts the nature of the behavioral and psychological outcome associated with the comparison and has implications for an enhanced understanding of the way in which the unique social network service communication environment may stimulate this process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research on social media typically focuses on its benefits; considerably less is known about the dark side of social networking sites. Focus groups of adult Facebook users ( N = 44) uncovered narratives surrounding individuals’ negative psychological and relational experiences tied to the social networking site and its affordances (e.g., connectivity, visibility, accessibility, persistence, and social feedback). Thematic analysis rendered five themes regarding Facebook stressors: managing inappropriate or annoying content , being tethered , lack of privacy and control , social comparison and jealousy , and relationship tension and conflict . Results demonstrate that although Facebook users often experience negative emotions, they feel pressured to access the site frequently due to the fear of missing out and to keep up with relationship maintenance demands. Some participants reported privacy violations due to Facebook’s visibility, connectivity, and persistence. These features also afforded constant social comparison to other network members, which triggered jealousy, anxiety, and other negative emotions. Relational turbulence occurred due to the public nature of conflict on Facebook. Many participants’ responses revealed overarching contradictions: initially they claimed Facebook was inconsequential, yet later recounted significant stressful or hurtful events associated with Facebook. Our findings indicate some methods may not uncover the actual nature or scope of users’ experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present research aimed to examine how social comparison and individual differences in creativity might influence creative performance and attention paid to ideas generated by a partner during an electronic brainstorming session. After completing a creativity scale, forty-one psychology undergraduates generated ideas by computer with a remote partner/confederate presented as a student in either Arts (upward comparison) or Sciences (downward comparison) and who was instructed to give a list of pretested ideas. During the idea-generation task, the eye movements of each participant were tracked to measure the attention they paid to the ideas of their partner. As predicted, results showed that the quality (but not the quantity) of ideas was greater in upward than downward comparison, but only for high creative participants. Similar patterns were found for attention allocated to the partner’s ideas. We discuss the role of motivational and attentional processes for electronic brainstorming research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated how manipulating self and opponent avatar weight (normal vs. obese) affected people’s physical activity in real life as they played an exergame. While playing virtual tennis, female players operating a normal weight self avatar were more physically active relative to those using an obese self avatar. Participants physically exerted themselves the most when both self and opponent had normal weight avatars, implying increased physical activity when self and opponent avatars look equally fit. The study also identified conditions that discouraged physical activity (e.g., normal weight self avatar vs. an obese opponent). The findings were congruent with priming and social comparison models, and illustrated how virtual social cues can be leveraged to influence health behaviors via exergames. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social networking sites (SNS) provide opportunities for mood management through selective exposure. This study tested the prediction that negative mood fosters self-enhancing social comparisons to SNS profiles. Participants were induced into positive or negative moods and then browsed manipulated profiles on an experimental SNS. Profiles varied in a 2 × 2 within-subjects design along two dimensions, ratings of career success and attractiveness, allowing for upward comparisons (high ratings) and downward comparisons (low ratings). Selective exposure was measured in seconds spent viewing profiles. Negative mood led to less exposure to upward comparisons and more to downward comparisons than positive mood. The comparison dimension did not influence selective exposure. Thus, in a negative mood, SNS users prefer self-enhancing social comparisons to manage their mood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Individuals tend to compare themselves with those whose attributes and abilities are better (i.e., upward social comparison) or worse (i.e., downward social comparison) than their own to evaluate self. Based on social comparison theory, this study examined the influence of fitness comparison on fitness app users' beliefs about (self-efficacy), attitudes toward (motivation), and behaviors in (participation) physical activities (PA). For the research, fitness app users who use social media were recruited (N = 567) through a crowdsourcing internet marketplace. The results revealed that downward fitness comparison appeared to thwart fitness app users' self-efficacy in PA, whereas upward fitness comparison appeared to enhance self-efficacy in PA. As a consequence, people who engaged in upward fitness comparison had elevated motivation and participation in PA. In particular, self-efficacy was a crucial variable in improving people's motivation for PA. Those who want to improve their fitness activities should engage in comparing themselves with high performers. The given managerial implication is that fitness practitioners should encourage people to compare their fitness abilities with better performers or role models, and fitness app developers should design apps that permit users to have more opportunities for comparison with superior others. • Upward fitness comparison appeared to enhance self-efficacy in PA. • Downward fitness comparison appeared to thwart self-efficacy in PA. • PA self-efficacy was a crucial variable in improving people's motivation for PA. • PA motivation had a positive direct effect on PA participation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] We examine social comparison behavior on Facebook. [•] A positive correlation between comparison orientation and social comparison frequency (SCF). [•] Significant correlations between self-uncertainty/consciousness/esteem and SCF. [•] A positive correlation between SCF and the frequency of having a negative feeling. [•] A positive correlation between Facebook use intensity and SCF. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The present study aimed to examine the effects of social networking functions of fitness apps on users' physical activity participation. Drawing on the input-mechanism-output framework in mHealth, tthis study connected the functions of a Chinese fitness app (WeRun) to users' step counts tracked by the app and examined the psychological mechanisms underlying the processes. Through a cross-sectional survey of WeRun users (N = 643), we found that the frequency of checking WeRun as well as users' core network size (i.e., the number of friends followed on WeRun) positively correlated with physical activity participation. Social comparison mechanisms were explanatory of physical activity participation, but social support was not. Specifically, upward comparison was positively associated, and downward comparison was negatively associated with physical activity participation. Upward comparison also mediated the relationships between the two user-app inputs (i.e., frequency of checking and core network size) and physical activity participation. These findings reveal the theoretical mechanisms of fitness app functions and provide valuable insights for mHealth design. • Users who check their WeRun status more frequently are more physically active. • Users who follow more friends on WeRun are more physically active. • WeRun users who engage in more upward comparison are more physically active. • WeRun users who engage in more downward comparison are less physically active. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social media browsing is commonly seen as a trigger of unhealthy social comparison (i.e., upward contrast), which negatively affects well-being. One underlying assumption is the predominance of positive self-presentation on social media, which may have shifted during the COVID-19 pandemic when negative disclosures have become more prevalent. In this study, we conceptualize social comparison as a multi-dimensional construct based on different comparing targets and processes, and explore how individual (i.e., cognitive reappraisal) and contextual (i.e., quarantine status) factors may influence the relationships among passive social media use, social comparison and stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. Drawing on a survey with 1131 Wuhan residents in China, we found that passive social media use was positively related to both upward contrast and downward identification, which in turn predicted a higher level of stress. Cognitive reappraisal was negatively associated with unhealthy social comparison (i.e., upward contrast and downward identification) but was positively related to healthy social comparison such as upward identification. Quarantined people tended to report more upward contrast, especially when they engaged in more frequent social media browsing. This study contributes to the larger debate about the impact of social media on mental health and offers practical implications. • Social media browsing can relate to different types of social comparison. • Upward contrast and downward identification predict higher perceived stress. • Cognitive reappraisal appears to buffer unhealthy social comparison. • Quarantined people report more upward contrast, compared to unquarantined people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We designed a tabletop brainwriting interface to examine the effects of time pressure and social pressure on the creative performance. After positioning this study with regard to creativity research and human activity in dynamic environments, we present our interface and experiment. Thirty-two participants collaborated (by groups of four) on the tabletop brainwriting task under four conditions of time pressure and two conditions of social pressure. The results show that time pressure increased the quantity of ideas produced and, to some extent, increased the originality of ideas. However, it also deteriorated user experience. Besides, social pressure increased quantity of ideas as well as motivation, but decreased collaboration. We discuss the implications for creativity research and Human–Computer Interaction. Anyhow, our results suggest that the Press factor, operationalized by Time- or Social-pressure, should be considered as a powerful lever to enhance the effectiveness of creative problem solving methods. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper examines some aspects of the usefulness of interactive tabletop systems, if and how these impact collaboration. We chose creative problem solving such as brainstorming as an application framework to test several collaborative media: the use of pen-and-paper tools, the “around-the-table” form factor, the digital tabletop interface, the attractiveness of interaction styles. Eighty subjects in total (20 groups of four members) participated in the experiments. The evaluation criteria were task performance, collaboration patterns (especially equity of contributions), and users’ subjective experience. The “around-the-table” form factor, which is hypothesized to promote social comparison, increased performance and improved collaboration through an increase of equity. Moreover, the attractiveness of the tabletop device improved subjective experience and increased motivation to engage in the task. However, designing attractiveness seems a highly challenging issue, since overly attractive interfaces may distract users from the task. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The present study draws on theories of attribution, social comparison, and social facilitation to investigate how computers might use principles of motivation and persuasion to provide user feedback. In an online experiment, 192 participants performed a speed-reading task. The independent variables included whether or not the verbal feedback from the computer involved praise, whether the objective feedback showed that the participants were performing better or worse from their peers, and whether or not the feedback was presented by an on-screen agent. The main dependent variables included a subjective measure of participants’ intrinsic motivation and an objective measure of their task persistence. Results showed that providing participants with praise or comparative information on others’ performance improved intrinsic motivation. When praised, participants whose performances were comparatively low persisted in the task longer than those whose performances were comparatively high did. Additionally, the mere presence of an embodied agent on the screen increased participants’ motivation. Together, these results indicate that praise and social comparison can serve as effective forms of motivational feedback and that humanlike embodiment further improves user motivation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This article extends the findings in synchronous room-based electronic brainstorming about the impact of social comparison process on productivity and creativity in a web-based context of asynchronous electronic brainstorming. Social comparison was manipulated with a feedback informing group members of their respective contributions on the electronic brainstorming task through a shared table regularly updated by a facilitator. In another group, although participants had the possibility to identify each contribution within the newsgroup, they did not receive any feedback in a shared table. Results showed that both group productivity and group creativity are better in the social comparison feedback condition than in the other condition. It appears that social comparison process has a positive impact on productivity and creativity in a web-based context of asynchronous electronic brainstorming, but only when participants have access to a shared table facilitating the comparison among group members. This finding provides some useful recommendations for learning facilitators to improve productivity and creativity in the context of computer-supported collaborative learning over the Internet. It also invites to future innovative technological developments to improve participation in online groups. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Facebook and Instagram are currently the most popular Social Network Sites (SNS) for young adults. A large amount of research examined the relationship between these SNS and well-being, and possible intermediate constructs such as social comparison, self-esteem, and repetitive negative thinking (RNT). However, most of these studies have cross-sectional designs and use self-report indicators of SNS use. Therefore, their conclusions should be interpreted cautiously. Consequently, the goal of the current experience sampling study was to examine the temporal dynamics between objective indicators of SNS use, and self-reports of social comparison, RNT, and daily fluctuations in negative affect. More specifically, we assessed 98 participants 6 times per day during 14 days to examine reciprocal relationships between SNS use, negative affect, emotion regulation, and key psychological constructs. Results indicate that (1) both Facebook and Instagram use predicted reduced well-being, and (2) self-esteem and RNT appear to be important intermediate constructs in these relationships. Future longitudinal and experimental studies are needed to further support and extend the current research findings. • We conducted an experience sampling study on social network use and well-being. • Both Facebook and Instagram predict future negative affect. • Self-esteem and rumination are intermediate constructs in this relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]