Work

Seeking Connection but Finding Comparison: The Relationship Between Social Comparison, Loneliness, and Social Media Use

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: While the link between social comparison and loneliness is well-documented, the influence of different social media behaviors on this relationship remains underexplored, particularly in non-Western contexts. This study examines how creating, sharing, consuming, and communicating on social media moderate the relationship between social comparison and loneliness. Data were collected from 525 individuals across 25 provinces in Türkiye and analyzed using moderation analyses. Results indicated that upward social comparison was positively related to loneliness. However, active behaviors, such as content creation and sharing, were found to weaken this link. Conversely, passive behaviors, such as scrolling and browsing, were observed to strengthen the association and correspond with higher levels of loneliness. These findings suggest that fostering active and meaningful social media engagement can reduce loneliness.

Source: Muğla Sıtkı Koçman Üniversitesi Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi

DOI: 10.21666/muefd.1607217

Authors: Gökçe Dik, Adem Kantar

Institutions: Istanbul Technical University, Erzurum Technical University

Language: English

Topic: Impact of Technology on Adolescents

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

Funders: Türkiye Bilimsel ve Teknolojik Araştırma Kurumu, Istanbul Teknik Üniversitesi