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Updated: Jun 26, 2026
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The Joint Effect of Social Comparison and Social Distance on Evaluation of Intertemporal Choice Outcomes in Event-related Potential Studies
Published on: August 25, 2023
Relationships between problematic social media use and social comparison: a meta-analysis
Mustafa Demir1, İbrahim Erdoğan Yayla1, Metin Kaya2
1Bayburt University, Bayburt, Turkey.
BMC Psychology
|June 25, 2026
Summary
Problematic social media use (PSMU) is modestly linked to social comparison, with the relationship varying by context and measurement. This connection is not strong or universal, suggesting limited practical importance in many cases.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Media Studies
- Sociology
Background:
- Problematic social media use (PSMU) is a growing concern globally.
- Social comparison is a key psychological process influenced by media consumption.
- Understanding the link between PSMU and social comparison is crucial for mental health research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and meta-analyze the quantitative relationship between problematic social media use and social comparison.
- To explore potential moderators influencing the strength of this association across diverse populations and contexts.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature review and meta-analysis of 20 independent quantitative studies published between January 2019 and October 2025.
- Inclusion of studies encompassing adolescents, university students, and adults from various cultural contexts.
- Calculation of effect sizes using Fisher's z-transformation under a random-effects model, with subsequent Trim-and-Fill and regression analyses.
Main Results:
- A modest positive relationship was found between PSMU and social comparison (ES = 0.24).
- This association weakened when control variables were included (ES = 0.169) and varied based on measurement scales, age, gender, and national innovation levels.
- Adolescent samples showed smaller, sometimes trivial, effect sizes, despite statistical significance.
Conclusions:
- The relationship between PSMU and social comparison is modest and context-sensitive, not strong or universal.
- The observed association may be influenced by conceptual overlap in measurement instruments.
- Findings suggest evaluating this relationship within a multi-layered framework considering measurement, context, and conceptual clarity.
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