Romantic Comparisons on Social Networking Sites: A Look Into the Single Female Facebook Experience

• In Event: Online Dating and Relationships

Abstract

This paper examines impacts of Facebook use on cognitive and affective outcomes in single female users. Based on previous studies pointing to Facebook use as a threat to psychological well-being, this study points to the role of romantic comparisons in diminished well-being following Facebook use. An online survey was conducted (N = 290) with single and committed female Facebook users to assess how viewing the romantic accomplishments of others on Facebook relates to social comparison processes, self-perceived desirability, and subjective well-being. Findings point to romantic comparison as a specific genre of social comparisons occurring on social networking sites. Furthermore, findings indicate that romantic comparisons on Facebook hold detrimental consequences to the self-evaluations of single females only, specifically leading to decreases in self-perceived desirability and subjective well-being accordingly. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

Author

• Taj Makki, Michigan State U