Mediating Role of Social Comparison in the Relationship between Social Media Usage and Subjective Well-Being

Chhavi Gupta and Ritu Modi
University of Allahabad, Prayagraj

Pages:472-481

Social media platforms have emerged as significant facilitators for communications
and online socialization. These platforms are affecting well-being of generation z. This
study examines the potential mediating role of social comparison in the relationship
between social media usage and subjective well-being. The sample size of the study
was 272 participants aged 13-19 years. A purposive sampling technique was adopted
for participants’ selection. The mediating role of social comparison in the relationship
between social media usage and subjective well-being was evaluated through SPSS
Macro Process. Haye’s model no. 4 was used to examine the mediating effect. Results
showed that social comparison mediates the relationship between social media usage
and subjective well-being (p<.05). This information can inform various policies,
procedures, and therapies in disciplines related to younger age groups’ overall mental
health and psychological well-being.