Materialists on Facebook: the self-regulatory role of social comparisons and the objectification of Facebook friends

In this study, we examine chronic materialism as a possible motive for Facebook usage. We test an explanatory mediation model predicting that materialists use Facebook more frequently, because they compare themselves to others, they objectify and instrumentalize others, and they accumulate friends. For this, we conducted two online surveys (N1 = 242, N2 = 289) assessing demographic variables, Facebook use, social comparison, materialism, objectification and instrumentalization. Results confirm the predicted mediation model. Our findings suggest that Facebook can be used as a means to an end in a way of self-regulatory processes, like satisfying of materialistic goals. The findings are the first evidence for our Social Online Self-regulation Theory (SOS-T), which contains numerous predictions that can be tested in the future

How to prevent side effects of social media use (SMU)? Relationship between daily stress, online social support, physical activity and addictive tendencies – A longitudinal approach before and during the first Covid-19 lockdown in Germany

Introduction: People who experience high levels of daily stress often resort to intensive social media use (SMU). In the short-term, this can contribute to relief and positive emotions. However, in the longer-term, intensive online activity can foster addictive tendencies. The present longitudinal study investigated the association between daily stress and addictive SMU. Methods: Data were assessed in a sample of 211 social media users (Mage (SDage) = 22.50 (5.00)) from Germany via online surveys at two measurement time points in winter 2020 (baseline, BL), and three months later in spring 2020 during the first Covid-19 lockdown (follow-up, FU). Results: In moderated mediation analyses, the positive relationship between daily stress (BL) and addictive SMU (BL) and (FU) was significantly mediated by the level of perceived online social support (BL). Physical activity (BL) (e.g., jogging and cycling) significantly moderated the relationship between online social support (BL) and addictive SMU (BL) and (FU). Specifically, the association between both variables was significant for medium and low frequency of physical activity, but not for high frequency. Limitations: The mostly female and relatively young sample composition limits the generalizability of the present findings. No experimental manipulation of the potential predictors of addictive SMU was introduced limiting the causal interpretation of the current results. Conclusions: The current findings disclose mechanisms that could reduce the risk of addictive SMU. Specifically, a conscious increase of physical activity could prevent the transformation of positive emotions evoked by the perception of online social support into addictive tendencies

How Downward and Upward Comparisons on Facebook Influence Grandiose and Vulnerable Narcissists’ Self-Esteem—A Priming Study

Past research showed that social networking sites represent perfect platforms to satisfy narcissistic needs. The present study aimed to investigate how grandiose (GN) and vulnerable narcissism (VN) as well as social comparisons are associated with Facebook activity, which was measured with a self-report on three activity dimensions: Acting, Impressing, and Watching. In addition, the state self-esteem (SSE) was measured with respect to performance, social behavior, and appearance. One hundred and ten participants completed an online survey containing measures of SSE and Facebook activity and a priming procedure with three experimental conditions embedded in a social media context (upward comparison, downward comparison, and control group). Results indicated, as expected, that high VN was negatively associated with SSE on each subscale and the overall score. In addition, it was found that VN, but not GN, displayed positive associations with frequency of Facebook activities. Finally, it was proposed and confirmed that VN in interaction with the priming of downward comparisons negatively affected SSE. The conclusion drawn is that VN represents a key variable for the prediction of self-esteem as well as for the frequency of Facebook activity

How photo editing in social media shapes self-perceived attractiveness and self-esteem via self-objectification and physical appearance comparisons

Abstract Background As photo editing behavior to enhance one?s appearance in photos becomes more and more prevalent on social network sites (SNSs), potential risks are increasingly discussed as well. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between photo editing behavior, self-objectification, physical appearance comparisons, self-perceived attractiveness, and self-esteem. Methods 403 participants completed self-report questionnaires measuring the aformentioned constructs. A parallel-sequential multiple mediation model was conducted to examine the relationship between photo editing behavior and self-esteem considering multiple mediators. Results The results indicate that photo editing behavior is negatively related to self-perceived attractiveness and self-esteem mediated via self-objectification and physical appearance comparisons. Conclusions The postulated mediation model was justified by our data. Thus, SNS users should be aware of potential negative consequences when using photo editing applications or filters

Science vs. Conspiracy Theory about COVID-19: Need for Cognition and Openness to Experience Increased Belief in Conspiracy-Theoretical Postings on Social Media

In the context of COVID-19 virus containment, there is a lack of acceptance of preventive measures in the population. The present work investigated which factors influence the belief in scientific propositions compared with belief in conspiracy theories. The focus here was on the determinants of conspiracy beliefs in the context of COVID-19 related media content. Using an online questionnaire (N = 175), results indicate that scientific compared to conspiracy-theoretical media content led to higher acceptance. Furthermore, need for cognition (NFC-K), a conspiracy-theoretical worldview (CMQ), and openness to experience (NEO-FFI) were positively associated with conspiracy beliefs derived from Facebook postings. In addition, a conspiracy-theoretical worldview was negatively associated with belief in scientific media content. Furthermore, agreeableness was unrelated to conspiracy beliefs, although it was positively associated with conspiracy-theoretical worldview. The results imply promising persuasion strategies for reducing conspiracy-theoretical beliefs and to increase the acceptance of preventive measures

Validation of the Motives to Use Social Networking Sites Scale (MOTUS)

A lot of research has been conducted to explore the high amount of daily usage time on social networking sites (SNSs). We suggest a two-dimensional frame of reference for investigating the usage of SNSs, which incorporates both four motives for usage and mode of usage in terms of active/passive usage. A special feature of the item construction was to combine the motive facet and the active/passive facet as integral dimensions in the formulation of items. The advantage of this approach is the comprehensive assessment of SNS use with high content validity. Till now, such a measure, which is based on the two-dimensional frame of reference, does not exist. To fill the gap the aim of our study was to develop the Motives to use SNSs Scale (MOTUS) assessing: (1) active as well as passive use and (2) underlying motives by conducting two studies (N1 = 597, N2 = 437). Study 1 focused on item development, item reduction, and identification of factor structure. The analysis resulted in an eight-factor structure that represented active and passive domains of each motive. Study 2 confirmed this factor structure by showing good values for model fit. The results confirmed the construct validity of the MOTUS. Results are discussed with respect to applications and limitations of the new measure

How photo editing in social media shapes self-perceived attractiveness and self-esteem via self-objectification and physical appearance comparisons

$\bf Background$ As photo editing behavior to enhance one?s appearance in photos becomes more and more prevalent on social network sites (SNSs), potential risks are increasingly discussed as well. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between photo editing behavior, self-objectification, physical appearance comparisons, self-perceived attractiveness, and self-esteem. $\bf Methods$ 403 participants completed self-report questionnaires measuring the aformentioned constructs. A parallel-sequential multiple mediation model was conducted to examine the relationship between photo editing behavior and self-esteem considering multiple mediators. $\bf Results$ The results indicate that photo editing behavior is negatively related to self-perceived attractiveness and self-esteem mediated via self-objectification and physical appearance comparisons. $\bf Conclusions$ The postulated mediation model was justified by our data. Thus, SNS users should be aware of potential negative consequences when using photo editing applications or filters