Instagram inspiration: How upward comparison on social network sites can contribute to well-being

Meier A, Gilbert A, Boerner S, Possler D (2020)

Publication Language: English

Publication Status: Published

Publication Type: Journal article, Original article

Publication year: 2020

Journal

Journal of Communication Wiley-Blackwell

Publisher: OXFORD UNIV PRESS INC

Book Volume: 70

Pages Range: 721-743

Journal Issue: 5

DOI: 10.1093/joc/jqaa025

Abstract

Passive exposure to others' positive self-presentations on social network sites (SNS) such as Instagram has been repeatedly associated with reduced well-being, particularly by triggering upward social comparison and envy. However, prior research has largely neglected that upward comparisons on SNS may also facilitate positive outcomes, specifically media-induced inspiration, a motivational state highly conducive to well-being. We conducted two experiments that tested whether and how cognitive-affective processing of visual SNS postings results in inspiration. Study 1 (N = 270) provides first evidence that users react to more positive, optimized Instagram nature and travel posts with stronger upward comparison, which facilitates inspiration via an assimilative emotional reaction (benign envy), thus enhancing well-being. The pre-registered Study 2 (N = 408) replicates these findings. Overall, results indicate that users can be inspired from comparing upwards on SNS, which may briefly improve their well-being. We discuss boundary conditions and implications for future communication research.

Authors with CRIS profile

Adrian Meier

Additional Organisation(s)

Assistant Professorship for Communication Science

Involved external institutions

Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz (JGU) DE Germany (DE) University of Amsterdam NL Netherlands (NL) Hochschule für Musik, Theater und Medien Hannover (HMTMH) DE Germany (DE)

How to cite

APA:

Meier, A., Gilbert, A., Boerner, S., & Possler, D. (2020). Instagram inspiration: How upward comparison on social network sites can contribute to well-being. Journal of Communication, 70(5), 721-743. https://doi.org/10.1093/joc/jqaa025

MLA:

Meier, Adrian, et al. "Instagram inspiration: How upward comparison on social network sites can contribute to well-being." Journal of Communication 70.5 (2020): 721-743.

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