Effects of Social Media Comparisons on State Self-Esteem, Fomo, and Depression in Young Adult Women

Abstract

Social media has quickly become a main source of entertainment that may have more damaging effects than one may expect. For specifically women, it is important to understand how the use and comparison of exposing oneself to the life of other influencers, family members, and friends affect self-esteem, depression, and FOMO. Previous research has shown the damaging effects of other social media sites such as Facebook, and the way comparing oneself to others has an impact on these variables. It is important to focus on women in this topic as they are more susceptible to damaging effects through comparison. Along with the multimillion users on the Instagram platform, the site is worth a further examination. The present study had a sample of 79 females attending University who had been on Instagram for at least one month prior to conducting a survey. The average age of females used for this study was 19.The present study found a significant positive relationship between frequency of comparison and depression and fomo, and a significant negative correlation with self-esteem. It is important to understand that the more females use and compare themselves to others they see on social media, the likelihood of depression, FOMO, and lower self-esteem for them