Psychological Analysis of the Impact of Social Media on Interpersonal Relationships: A Comparative Study.

Background: This study explores the impact of social media on interpersonal relationships, focusing on the Chinese context. It investigates how social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter influence human interactions, societal behaviors, and psychological mechanisms, with particular emphasis on social comparison. Methods: Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study combined quantitative and qualitative analyses. Participants were active social media users of 18-50 years of age from China. Data collection involved surveys, the Fear of Missing Out Scale, and content analysis of social media interactions, followed by statistical analysis using SPSS. Results: A significant positive correlation (64.2 ± 3.1) was found between pro-environmental behavior and various forms of interpersonal communication, including both face-to-face interactions and those mediated by digital platforms. Gender differences were notable in social media engagement, especially among female users. Social media campaigns during the COVID-19 crisis showed considerable effectiveness in health communication (73.2 ± 5.4). Additionally, economic factors, particularly in low- and middle-income areas, significantly influenced the efficacy of social and behavioral change communication, underlining the importance of cost considerations in these strategies. Conclusion: The study reveals the complex interplay of social media and interpersonal communication in China, highlighting the role of gender dynamics and economic factors. It offers valuable insights for policymakers and communicators, emphasizing the need for tailored strategies considering these diverse factors in the digital age. The findings suggest leveraging interpersonal channels for environmental advocacy and utilizing social media strategically in health communication and crisis management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]