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How and Why Social Media Affect Subjective Well-Being: Multi-Site Use and Social Comparison as Predictors of Change Across Time

Author

Listed:
  • Derrick Wirtz

    (University of British Columbia)

  • Amanda Tucker

    (East Carolina University)

  • Chloe Briggs

    (University of British Columbia)

  • Alexander M. Schoemann

    (East Carolina University)

Abstract

How and why does the widespread use of social media affect happiness? The present study examined whether the three components of subjective well-being—positive affect, negative affect, and life satisfaction—were impacted by use of three of the most popular social network sites in the U.S. (Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram), using the experience sampling method. Over 10 days, greater everyday use of social media resulted in lower subjective well-being—specifically, by increasing negative affective states rather than by decreasing positive states or life satisfaction—a pattern evident across all three social network sites. In evaluating why use of social media adversely impacted subjective well-being, social comparison was a strong predictor. Specifically, the more that participants reported comparing themselves to others while using social media, the less subjective well-being they subsequently experienced. In contrast, traditional, offline social interactions exerted the opposite (beneficial) effect on happiness: increasing positive affect and decreasing negative affect. The present study therefore demonstrates that ordinary, day-to-day use of social network sites adversely impacts subjective well-being over time, and further highlights the advantages of employing independent well-being measures and assessing the use of multiple sites.

Suggested Citation

  • Derrick Wirtz & Amanda Tucker & Chloe Briggs & Alexander M. Schoemann, 2021. "How and Why Social Media Affect Subjective Well-Being: Multi-Site Use and Social Comparison as Predictors of Change Across Time," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 22(4), pages 1673-1691, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jhappi:v:22:y:2021:i:4:d:10.1007_s10902-020-00291-z
    DOI: 10.1007/s10902-020-00291-z
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Rohrer, Julia M. & Richter, David & Brümmer, Martin & Wagner, Gert G. & Schmukle, Stefan C., 2018. "Successfully Striving for Happiness: Socially Engaged Pursuits Predict Increases in Life Satisfaction," EconStor Open Access Articles and Book Chapters, ZBW - Leibniz Information Centre for Economics, vol. 29(8), pages 1291-1298.
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    Cited by:

    1. Edward Castronova, 2023. "Preference evolution, attention, and happiness," Kyklos, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 76(2), pages 301-315, May.
    2. Jiewen Zhang & Claudia Marino & Natale Canale & Lorena Charrier & Giacomo Lazzeri & Paola Nardone & Alessio Vieno, 2022. "The Effect of Problematic Social Media Use on Happiness among Adolescents: The Mediating Role of Lifestyle Habits," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(5), pages 1-13, February.
    3. Guang Yang & Masood Abdulla Badri & Saad Ibrahim Yaaqeib & Asma Salem Alrashdi & Sara Abdulrahman Alansaari & Mouza Awadh Almheiri, 2024. "The Hopeful and Resilient Maids: Assessing the Life Satisfaction of Female Migrant Domestic Workers in Abu Dhabi," Journal of International Migration and Integration, Springer, vol. 25(4), pages 2273-2298, December.

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