The New Internet Virus - Facebook Depression? The Role of Gender and Facebook Social Comparison on Depressive Symptoms

Two studies were conducted which provide evidence that the association between time on Facebook and depressive symptoms is mediated by Facebook social comparisons. The cross-sectional pilot study (N= 180), revealed an association between time spent on Facebook and depressive symptoms for both men and women. However, results demonstrated that, for men only, making non-directional social comparisons on Facebook mediated the link between time spent on Facebook and depressive symptoms. In the follow up 14-day diary study (N=152), gender was not found to be a moderator. Non-directional and upward social comparisons on Facebook served as a mediator between time on Facebook and depressive symptoms as well as a mediator between number of logins into Facebook and depressive symptoms across all participants. Finally, the extent to which daily experiences on Facebook were negative positively moderated the association between upward and non-directional Facebook social comparison and depressive symptoms across all participants.