Measuring Up: Social Comparisons on Facebook and Contributions to Self-Esteem and Mental Health

Abstract

These two exploratory studies examined how making social comparisons on social networking sites can impact an individual’s self-esteem and mental health outcomes. To examine the link between social comparison, Facebook use, self-esteem and mental health, a survey research study was conducted among 417 college undergraduates. The study found that the amount of time users spent on Facebook, Facebook investment, and both active and passive use were correlated with greater amounts of social comparison. In turn, high levels of social comparison predicted lower self-esteem and poor mental health. Using an experimental paradigm, the second study assessed 127 participants before and after a Facebook profile evaluation task and found some ties between Facebook use, social comparison, self-esteem and mental health, which partially confirmed the results of the first study.