INVESTIGATING THE INFLUENCE OF EXCESSIVE SOCIAL MEDIA USE ON SOCIAL COMPARISON AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

Abstract

This study examined the influence of excessive social media use on social comparison among university students. The objectives of current study were to explore how much university students use social media and how it makes them feel when they compare themselves to others online. Another objective of current investigation was to find out how comparing themselves on social 
media affects students' mental health and makes them feel bad and to look for any differences between guys and girls in how much they use social media and how it makes them feel about themselves. Through reflexive thematic analysis and non-probability purposive sampling technique a sample of (N=5) university students (n=2 males, n=3 females) with age range of 19-25 years was 
recruited. For this purpose, detailed interview was conducted from five participants. NVivo14 was used to analyze the data and identified the initials codes and themes of transcribed interviews of five participants. The findings of current study revealed that pervasive influence of social media on university students, disrupting various aspects of their lives while exacerbating feelings of 
inadequacy through heightened social comparison. It underscores the critical importance of implementing interventions to foster healthier social media habits and provide support for students in managing the psychological impacts of online comparison culture.