Envy, Social Comparison, and Depression on Social Networking Sites: A Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Social Media Research
• Mental Health

Background:

• Social networking sites (SNSs) facilitate social comparison (SC).
• Envy is a common emotion experienced during online interactions.
• The relationship between SNSs use, envy, and depression requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the evidence on the reciprocal relationship between social comparison (SC) on social networking sites (SNSs), envy, and depression.
• To synthesize findings regarding the mediating and moderating roles of various psychological factors.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search of PsychINFO, PubMed, and Web of Science (January 2012–November 2022).
• Adherence to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.
• Inclusion of 9 relevant articles for review.

Main Results:

• Consistent correlations were found between SC on SNSs, envy, and depression across all reviewed articles.
• Envy was identified as a mediator between SNSs use and depression in three cross-sectional studies.
• Self-efficacy, neuroticism, SC orientation, marital quality, and friendship type moderated these relationships.
• Two studies indicated depression predicts SC and envy, suggesting it as a risk factor for negative SNSs outcomes.

Conclusions:

• The interplay between social comparison, envy, and depression on SNSs is complex.
• Depression may be a significant risk factor influencing the emotional impact of SNSs use.
• Further research is needed to elucidate the causal pathways and moderating influences.