The Effect of WeChat Usage on Upward Social Comparison in Undergraduates

Source:
By:Yongmei HOU, Xiaoying YI

DOI: https://doi.org/10.30564/jpr.v3i1.2804

Abstract:

To explore the status of undergraduates’ WeChat usage and upward social comparison, and analyze the relationship between the above two variables. Totally 754 WeChat undergraduates were selected through poster recruitment from 5 colleges in Guangdong Province. They were investigated with Access Frequency to Social Networking Site Scale (AFSNSS), Upward Social Comparison Subscale of Iowa-Nwtherlands Comparison Orientation Measure (INCOM-USCS). The score of overall emotional engagement(OEE) of AFSNSS and the total standard score of INCOM– USCS (TSSI-U) were (22.41±4.70) and (0±4.5), respectively. The correlation between WeChat frequency and TSSI-U was not significant. TSSI-U was significantly positively correlated with the score of OEE and other items of AFSNSS (r=0.161~0.413, P <0.01). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that The scores of item 1,7and 8 of AFSNSS, as well as family economic status, grade ranking of academic performance (GRAP) and the purpose of WeChat use were postively correlated with TSSI-U (β=.104~.234, P<.05). Class cadre or not and origin were negatively correlated with TSSI-U (β=-.089, -.130, P<.05). Conclusion: It suggests that WeChat usage may be a related factor for undergraduates’ upward social comparison.

References:

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