Abstract
The rapid expansion of social media (SM) has transformed global communication patterns, with platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and X facilitating continuous user engagement. While SM provides opportunities for connection and self-expression, excessive use has been linked to negative psychological outcomes. Problematic social media use (PSMU) reflects compulsive, maladaptive engagement that interferes with daily functioning, often exacerbated by the social comparison process in which individuals evaluate themselves against idealised online portrayals. These dynamics may negatively influence life satisfaction, a key component of subjective well-being. Despite extensive international research, limited evidence exists on these associations in the South African context. The present study, therefore, examined the relationship between PSMU, Negative social comparison (NSC), and life satisfaction (SWL) among South African young adults. It was hypothesized that greater PSMU would correlate with increased NSC, greater PSMU with greater SWL, and higher NSC with lower SWL (H3)
Based on existing literature, a qualitative design was employed with a purposive sample of 220 South African young adults (68% female; M = 27.75, SD = 4.1) aged 18-38 years, all active social media users. Data were collected online via Google Forms following ethical clearance. The Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS), the Negative Social Media Comparison Scale (NSMCS), and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) were used to measure PSMU, social comparison, and life satisfaction, respectively. Demographic information included age, gender, and patterns of social media use. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS Version 29.
Descriptive analyses indicated that participants spent on average 6.4 hours per day on social media, primarily using WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram. Correlation analysis showed that PSMU was positively correlated with NSC and negatively correlated with life satisfaction. NSC was also negatively associated with life satisfaction, confirming preliminary support for all three hypotheses. Regression analysis further revealed that higher PSMU significantly predicted greater negative social comparison. PSMU also negatively predicted life satisfaction, accounting for 6.6% of the variance. Similarly, NSC significantly predicted lower life ...