Intervening on Social Comparisons on Social Media: Electronic Daily Diary Pilot Study

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Digital Well-being
• Intervention Studies

Background:

• Social media use is linked to negative psychological outcomes like depression and low self-esteem.
• Social comparison on social media exacerbates these negative effects.
• Young adults heavily use social media, necessitating strategies to mitigate harm and enhance connection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of a web-based intervention.
• To promote psychological well-being by encouraging social savoring as an alternative to social comparison.
• Social savoring is defined as experiencing joy from others' happiness.

Main Methods:

• A pilot study with 55 college students using an intensive longitudinal design.
• Participants completed daily surveys on social media use and well-being for 14 days.
• An intervention group practiced social savoring via a video on day 8.

Main Results:

• The intervention group showed higher performance self-esteem post-intervention.
• Increased social savoring correlated with higher state self-esteem.
• Both groups showed reduced social comparison and increased connectedness over time.

Conclusions:

• A web-based social savoring intervention shows promise in reducing negative social media impacts.
• Further research is needed for diverse age groups and clinical populations.
• This intervention may help minimize harmful consequences of social media use.