The Influence of Passive Social Networking Site Use on Self-Esteem: TheMediating Role of Upward Comparison and FoMO

Abstract

Previous research indicates that passive use of social networking sites (SNSs) negatively affects self-esteem. However, no clear explanation for this relation has yet been found. Therefore, the current study investigated the relation between passive SNS use and selfesteem among Dutch adolescents, and whether upward comparison and Fear of Missing Out (FoMO) could explain this relation. Longitudinal data from the Digital Youth Project collected in 2017/2018 were used. The data were collected using annual online surveys. The sample included 1372 adolescents between the ages of 11 and 17 (M = 13.61, SD = 1.18). Against expectations, passive SNS use was not associated with later self-esteem in adolescents. Upward comparison and FoMO could therefore not explain this relation. However, the results showed that a higher degree of upward comparison and a higher degree of FoMO are both associated with lower self-esteem in adolescents. These findings implicate that the passive type of SNS use might not determine negative SNS effects on adolescents’ self-esteem. Instead, future research should focus on examining individual characteristics that determine negative or positive effects of SNS use on self-esteem and general well-being of adolescents.