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Negative upward comparison and relative deprivation: sequential mediators between social networking service usage and loneliness

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Abstract

This study aimed to examine the complex relationships among social networking service (SNS) usage, loneliness, negative upward comparison, and relative deprivation, with a specific focus on the sequential mediation effect of negative upward comparison and relative deprivation in the relationship between SNS usage and loneliness. A sample of 432 Korean youth participated in an online questionnaire survey, and the data were analyzed using SPSS 25.0 and Hayes’ (2017) PROCESS macro models 4 and 6. The results of the study provided support for the first hypothesis, demonstrating a substantial and direct influence of social media usage on feelings of loneliness. Additionally, the second hypothesis, which proposed that negative upward comparison plays a mediating role, was also confirmed. Similarly, statistical evidence was found to back the third hypothesis, which suggested that relative deprivation acts as another mediating factor. Moreover, the fourth hypothesis, postulating a sequential mediation involving negative upward comparison and relative deprivation, was also found to be statistically significant. These results contribute to the existing literature by providing a comprehensive understanding of the intricate dynamics among SNS usage, negative upward comparisons, relative deprivation, and loneliness among young individuals in Korea. This study sheds light on the complex interplay between these variables and highlights the importance of considering sequential mediation pathways in the relationship between SNS usage and loneliness.

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Acknowledgments

We would like to thank Kim, Y. K., and Park, B. J.

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This work was supported by Hankuk University of Foreign Studies Research Fund of 2023.

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  1. Minerva College, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, Seoul, South Korea

    Hyun Jee Park

  2. Department of Economics, Banking and Finance, Dong-Eui University, Busan, South Korea

    Young Bae Park

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Park, H.J., Park, Y.B. Negative upward comparison and relative deprivation: sequential mediators between social networking service usage and loneliness. Curr Psychol 43, 9141–9151 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-023-05057-3

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