Mental Health Implications of Online Social Comparison in Ageing: A Review

Description

Page: 98-100

Tanisha Chopra (Bharati College, University of Delhi, Delhi)

Social media platforms have become an integral part of modern life. This also provides ample opportunities for social comparison which refers to the tendency to evaluate by comparing oneself to others, and this form the very basis of human behavior. This is being well utilized by the people in their old ages. The aim is to study the impact of online social comparison on mental health which is mediated by feelings of loneliness and social isolation. Chief methods employed for this research were internet sources that is various blogs and researchers regarding social well-being of aged people and impact of social media. Increased social media usage is linked to higher levels of low self-esteem upwards. Social comparison can be harmful leading to health conditions such as depression and anxiety. Self-esteem is a protective factor against negative health outcomes where some of the findings of this research. Based on the findings of this research, it is clear that online social comparison can have significant negative as well as positive consequences for the mental health of older adults. The study highlights the importance of addressing the potential harms of social media use among this population.