You received’t discover one other place that makes it as simple to check your self with others as social media. That’s not good for you.
Garments, automobiles, journey, followers: Folks with a materialistic mindset all the time need extra and, above all, greater than others. Social media supplies them with splendid alternatives to check themselves with others, which makes them prone to passive and addictive consumer habits. This stresses them out and, finally, results in low life satisfaction. This downward spiral, which turns materialists into much less completely happy individuals, was recognized by researchers from Bochum in a web-based survey of over 1,200 members. They revealed their findings within the journal Telematics and Informatics Studies from January, 8, 2024.
Six questionnaires answered by over 1,200 individuals
The researchers headed by Dr. Phillip Ozimek from the College of Psychology at Ruhr College Bochum, Germany, recruited 1,230 individuals for his or her on-line survey. To be able to take part, respondents had to make use of at the very least one social media channel at the very least as soon as every week. On common, the members said that they spent simply over two hours a day on social media.
The analysis group used six totally different questionnaires to find out the extent to which the members had a materialistic angle and tended to check themselves with others, whether or not they used social media extra actively or passively, whether or not they have been hooked on social media, how burdened and the way happy they have been with their lives.
Downward spiral set in movement
The info confirmed {that a} stronger materialistic method goes hand in hand with a bent to check oneself with others.”
Dr. Phillip Ozimek, College of Psychology, Ruhr College Bochum, Germany
This comparability may be very simple to make on social media, primarily by means of passive use, i.e. by wanting on the content material posted by different customers. Materialism and passive use have been additionally linked to addictive use of social media. “By this we imply, for instance, that customers are continuously fascinated about the respective channels and worry that they’re lacking out on one thing if they don’t seem to be on-line,” explains Phillip Ozimek. This in flip results in signs of poorer psychological well being, i.e. stress. The ultimate hyperlink within the chain is lowered life satisfaction. “Social media is one in all six stepping stones to unhappiness,” concludes Phillip Ozimek.
Social media attracts and breeds materialists
“General, the research supplies additional proof that the usage of social media is related to dangers, particularly for individuals with a extremely materialistic mindset,” says the psychologist. That is notably worrying, as a result of social media can set off and enhance materialistic values, for instance by means of (influencer) advertising. On the identical time, the platforms entice materialists anyway, as they’re an ideal option to fulfill many materialistic wants.
“It is undoubtedly a good suggestion to pay attention to the period of time you spend on social media and to cut back it,” recommends Phillip Ozimek. He advises towards giving up Social Media utterly. “In case you did, you are prone to overcompensate.” The analysis group additionally suggests recording materialism and social media use in sufferers present process therapy for psychological well being problems. “Whereas these components are sometimes irrelevant, they could be a start line for extra interventions that sufferers can check out at residence.”
Supply:
Journal reference:
Ozimek, P., et al. (2024). Materialism in social media–Extra social media habit and stress signs, much less satisfaction with life. Telematics and Informatics Studies. doi.org/10.1016/j.teler.2024.100117.
