Social Media Use, Social Comparison, and Mood among Young Indian Adults

Abstract

Social media has become an integral part of young adult’s life. The impact of social media remains a topic of debate. Excessive usage has been linked to negative mood states, social isolation, and increased comparison, whereas some studies suggest that social media can foster positive emotions and enhance social comparison. The current study explores the relationship between social media use, mood, and social comparison among young Indian adults. One hundred eighty-five participants were recruited through purposive sampling. The results found no significant gender differences in social media, social comparison, or negative and positive affect. There is a negative relationship between social media and positive affect. There is a positive relationship between social media and negative affect, social media and social comparison, and social comparison and negative affect. Social media negatively predicts positive affect. Social media positively predicts negative affect, whereas social comparison positively mediates this relationship. Future research can employer longitudinal designs to better understand social media use, social comparison and mood.