Don't put all your social networking sites in one basket - Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and your relationship with happiness during the COVID-19 pandemic

Release date: March 11, 2021

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0248384

Explanation

Past research has shown that active use of social networking sites is positively associated with well-being, resulting in increased social support and a sense of connectedness. Conversely, passive use of SNSs is negatively associated with well-being by fostering upward social comparison and jealousy.

However, since the majority of these studies have focused on Facebook, this study was investigating the relationship between happiness and the use of different social networking sites (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok) during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Additionally, social support and upward social comparisons were also investigated.

One hundred and forty-four individuals completed the online survey during the quarantine measures, and structural equation modeling was also employed in the analysis. Results showed that passive use of Facebook was negatively related to well-being through upward social comparison, while active use of Instagram was positively related to life satisfaction and negatively impacted by social support.

Furthermore, active use of Twitter was positively related to life satisfaction through social support. On the other hand, passive use was negatively associated with upward social comparison, which was further shown to be associated with negative affect. Finally, the use of TikTok was not associated with happiness.