Passive scrolling, active comparing: how social media use behaviours shape happiness through social comparison

Social media use is pervasive, yet its associations with happiness remains empirically inconsistent. One explanation for these mixed findings lies in differences in how individuals use social media. Drawing on previous theories and empirical studies, this cross-sectional survey study examines how social media use relates to happiness through active and passive use behaviours and social comparison processes. Data were collected from 228 adults using standardised self-report measures administered through an online survey. Structural equation modelling was used to test the proposed conceptual model. Results showed that greater social media use was positively associated with both active and passive use behaviours. Passive use behaviour was positively associated with social comparison tendencies, which were in turn negatively related to happiness. Passive use behaviour also mediated the relationship between social media use and social comparison. In contrast, active use behaviour was not significantly associated with social comparison and did not function as a mediating pathway. By identifying passive use behaviour as a key behavioural pathway linking social media use to social comparison and reduced happiness, this study clarifies previously inconsistent findings and underscores the importance of distinguishing between modes of social media use when examining happiness-related outcomes.