Effect of Facebook Social Comparison on Well-being: A Meta-Analysis

Abstract

The aim of this meta-analysis was to investigate the effect of Facebook social comparison on an individual’s well-being. Self-esteem, life satisfaction, and psychological well-being were evaluated as indicators of well-being, and individuals’ Facebook social comparisons were assessed. Publications in the literature were collected ( N =228) by investigating articles related to the topic. After meeting the inclusion criteria, 13 articles (encompassing 22 studies) were included in the analysis. This study comprised a sample group of 11,199 individuals. The mean age of the sample group was 22.78 years. Using the random effects model, this study demonstrated that Facebook social comparison had a significant moderating effect on well-being ( k =22, r =−0.20, p < 0.001). The components of well-being and participants’ ages were used as moderator variables. Results of the moderator analysis indicated that the well-being components ( Q b=3.95, df= 2, p > 0.05), and age ( Q_b= 5.11, df= 2, p > 0.05) were not a significant moderator variable of the effect of Facebook social comparison on well-being. This indicated a negative association between Facebook social comparison and well-being. The results from the literature are discussed as follows.