University of Twente Student Theses
Exploring the impact of Social Comparison on the relationship between LinkedIn Engagement and Future Anxiety while controlling for Self-efficacy
Westermann, Charlotte Antonia (2024) Exploring the impact of Social Comparison on the relationship between LinkedIn Engagement and Future Anxiety while controlling for Self-efficacy.
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| Abstract: | This study examines the impact of LinkedIn engagement on future anxiety among university students, with a focus on the roles of social comparison and self-efficacy. As LinkedIn becomes a primary platform for job searches, understanding its psychological effects is crucial to mitigating potential adverse outcomes. The research distinguishes between three LinkedIn user styles: passive, active-social, and active non-social. It was hypothesized that passive LinkedIn use positively influences future anxiety, while active usage styles negatively influence it. Furthermore, the study analysed the mediating effects of social comparison on the relationship between LinkedIn usage styles and future anxiety, controlling for self-efficacy. A cross-sectional survey involving 62 participants aged 18 to 34 was conducted, revealing moderate to high scores on scales measuring future anxiety, social comparison, and self-efficacy. Significant positive relationships were found between social comparison and future anxiety (r = .40, p < .001), and between active social and active non-social LinkedIn usage and future anxiety (r = .29, p < 0.01 and r = .36, p < 0.01.). Mediation analysis indicated that social comparison mediated the relationship between active social LinkedIn usage and future anxiety and that self-efficacy influences this relationship. This can be seen in the following ouput. The indirect effect (b = 0.5064, p = .04, 95% CI [0.0195, 1.27], the direct effect b = 1.8545, p < 0.001, 95% CI [0.4715, 3.27], the total effect (b = 2.3609, p < 0.001, 95% CI [1.0093, 3.71]) and the proportion effect (b = 0.1989, p = .04, 95% CI [0.0116, 0.62]. These findings highlight the importance of considering social comparison and self-efficacy when assessing LinkedIn's impact on student anxiety, suggesting the need for further research to better support students in their career development. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Bachelor) |
| Faculty: | BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences |
| Subject: | 77 psychology |
| Programme: | Psychology BSc (56604) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/100400 |
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