Impact of Upward Social Comparison on College Students' Life Satisfaction: Exploring Relative Deprivation and Just World Beliefs in Social Networking Sites

• Published in: 2024 Parul International Conference on Engineering and Technology (PICET) pp. 1 - 7
• Main Authors: Haque, Md Rezaul, Kour, Manjit, Miah, Md Helal
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: IEEE 03-05-2024
• Subjects: Belief in a Just World; Life Satisfaction; Reflection; Relative Deprivation; Reliability engineering; Social networking (online); Social Networking Sites; Surveys; Upward Social Comparison
• DOI: 10.1109/PICET60765.2024.10716199

Within the contemporary information society, the utilization of social networking sites (SNS) and its consequences on individuals have garnered substantial attention from researchers. This study endeavors to investigate the interconnection between upward social comparison within SNS and the life satisfaction of college students, elucidating the underlying mechanisms involving relative deprivation and belief in a just world. Employing a questionnaire survey encompassing 712 college students, the study reveals a significant detrimental influence of upward social comparison on life satisfaction, primarily mediated by relative deprivation. Furthermore, it establishes that belief in a just world serves as a substantial mediator, influencing both the direct effect of upward social comparison on SNS and its association with life satisfaction, mediated by relative deprivation. Notably, these effects are more pronounced within the low-just-world-belief group. This study advances the extant understanding of the effects of SNS usage and provides practical insights to encourage prudent and constructive engagement with social networking sites. Consequently, it promotes a positive social mindset, contributing to enhanced overall well-being.