The Effect of Social Comparison on Social Anxiety: The Moderating Role of Self-Esteem among Generation Z

Abstract

Generation Z is highly exposed to social media, which may intensify social comparison and social anxiety. This study examined whether self-esteem moderates the effect of social comparison on social anxiety among Generation Z social media users in Greater Bandung. A quantitative survey was conducted with 398 respondents (74.6% women, n = 297; 25.4% men, n = 101; M_age = 21.07 years, SD = 2.26) using Moderated Regression Analysis. Social anxiety was measured using the Social Anxiety Scale for Social Media Users (21 items; α = .93), social comparison using the Iowa-Netherlands Comparison Orientation Measure (10 items; α = .79), and self-esteem using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (8 items; α = .89). Self-esteem did not moderate the effect of social comparison on social anxiety (B = 0,009, p = .705). Social comparison positively predicted social anxiety (B = 0.925, β = .401, p < .001), whereas self-esteem negatively predicted social anxiety (B = -1.306, β = -.358, p < .001). Several demographic variables were also associated with differences in social anxiety. These These findings indicate that self-esteem was associated with social anxiety in a separate regression analysis but did not moderate the association between social comparison and social anxiety.