Social Media Usage, Social Comparison and Feedback Seeking, and Interaction Anxiousness in Youth

Abstract

This study aims to explore the relationships between social media use, social comparison, and feedback seeking, and interaction anxiousness among youth. It was hypothesized that (i) there is a positive relationship between social media use, social comparison and feedback seeking, and interaction anxiousness in youth, (ii) Social media use, and social comparison and feedback seeking is likely to positively predict interaction anxiousness in youth, (iii) there are gender differences in term of social media use, social comparison and feedback seeking, and interaction anxiousness in youth. A correlational cross-sectional research design was used in the present study. The sample comprised 208 university students aged 18–35 (M = 21.97, SD = 3.191) from public and private sector universities of Lahore. The assessment measures included Social Media-Activity Questionnaire (Ozimek et al., 2023), Social Comparison and Feedback-Seeking Scale (Nesi & Prinstein, , 2015).) Interaction Anxiousness Scale (Leary et al., 1983). Results revealed that passive social media was positively related to social comparison and feedback seeking and had no significant relation to interaction anxiousness. In contrast, active social media use was positively related to social comparison and feedback seeking and negatively related to interaction anxiousness. Lastly, social comparison and feedback seeking was positively related to interaction anxiousness. The results indicated that passive social media use positively and active social media use negatively predicted interaction anxiousness. Further, social comparison and feedback seeking positively predicted interaction anxiousness. Additionally, the results also showed that men reported higher active social media use, while women exhibited higher interaction anxiousness. Further, no significant gender differences were found in passive social media use as well as social comparison and feedback seeking. Future implications should be implemented to reduce anxiety, youth should be educated on the detrimental effects of social media, and educational institutions should develop strategies that promote responsible usage. Peer support programs and readily accessible mental health services can also assist youths in sharing their experiences and building coping techniques.