The Relationship Between Social Comparison Processes and Well-Being in Digital Environments
Keywords:
Social comparison; digital environments; well-being; social media; psychological healthAbstract
The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between social comparison processes and multiple dimensions of well-being within digital environments among adults. This study employed a cross-sectional correlational design and was conducted among adult residents of Tehran who reported regular engagement with digital environments, particularly social media platforms. Participants were recruited through online and offline convenience sampling methods and completed a set of standardized self-report questionnaires administered electronically. The instruments assessed social comparison orientation in digital contexts, positive affect, negative affect, life satisfaction, and psychological well-being, along with demographic variables and indicators of digital engagement intensity. Data were screened for statistical assumptions, and analyses were performed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation coefficients, multiple regression analyses, group comparisons, and moderation analysis to examine gender differences in the observed relationships. Inferential analyses revealed significant negative associations between social comparison orientation and positive affect, life satisfaction, and psychological well-being, alongside a significant positive association with negative affect. Multiple regression analyses demonstrated that social comparison orientation significantly predicted all well-being outcomes even after controlling for demographic variables and intensity of digital use. Group comparison analyses indicated that individuals with high levels of social comparison reported significantly lower well-being and higher negative affect compared to those with low comparison orientation. Moderation analysis further showed that gender significantly moderated these relationships, with stronger negative effects of social comparison on well-being observed among female participants. The findings indicate that social comparison processes play a central role in shaping emotional and psychological well-being in digital environments, highlighting social comparison orientation as a key risk factor for reduced well-being. These results underscore the importance of addressing maladaptive comparison tendencies in efforts to promote healthier digital engagement and psychological well-being.
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