Does Upward Social Comparison on SNS Inspire Adolescent Materialism? Focusing on the Role of Self-Esteem and Mindfulness

Abstract

The present study tested the mediating role of self-esteem and the moderating role of mindfulness in the association between upward social comparison on social network sites (SNSs) and adolescent materialism. A sample of 880 Chinese adolescents completed measures of upward social comparison on SNSs, materialism, self-esteem, mindfulness, and demographic information. Results showed that self-esteem mediated the link between upward social comparison on SNSs and adolescent materialism. That is, upward social comparison on SNSs was positively associated with adolescent materialism through the decreased self-esteem. Moreover, mindfulness acted as an important moderator in the mediation model. Both the direct association between upward social comparison on SNSs and materialism and the indirect association via self-esteem were moderated by mindfulness. These two associations were both weaker for adolescents with higher mindfulness than for those with lower mindfulness. These findings would advance our understanding of how and when upward social comparison on SNSs is associated with adolescent materialism. Limitations and implications of the present study are discussed.

Keywords:

• Upward social comparison on SNSs
• materialism
• self-esteem
• mindfulness
• adolescents

Funding

The Humanities and Social Science Foundation of the Ministry of Education of China (22YJC630037); the 13th “Five-Year” Plan of Philosophy and Social Science of Guangdong Province (GD20CXL05); the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (JUSRP122057); General project of Philosophy and Social Science Research in Jiangsu Province (2021SJA0863).

Author Notes

Yu-Ting Hu is a lecturer at the Business School of Jiangnan University. She works in cyber-psychology and Internet consumption till now.

Qing-Qi Liu is a lecturer at the College of Education of the Future of Beijing Normal University. He focuses on cyber-psychology and adolescent mental health.

Zhen-Feng Ma is a professor at the Business School of Jiangnan University. He is interested in consumer psychology, social media and digital marketing.