Social Comparison and Psycho-Social Consequences among Generation Z

Abstract

The present study was quantitative that examined psycho-social consequences of social comparison on generation z. It examined the social comparison behavior and subsequent outcomes in the generation z moderate self-continuity and social connectedness grounded in social comparison theory. The study was based on the quantitative research design. Sample size was drawn 300 students by using proportionate stratified random sampling technique and the data was collected by using structured questionnaire. Key variables included social comparison, social consequences and psychological consequences that were measured on 4-point Likert scale. The research examined upward, downward, and temporal comparisons on digital platforms affect anxiety, self-esteem, life satisfaction, perceived social support, online connectedness, and offline social avoidance. The reliability of variables was analyzed (Cronbach's Alpha = 0.822), quantitative data were analyzed via Kendall's tau-b correlation and multiple linear regression in SPSS version 21. Findings revealed that social comparison significantly predicts psycho-social consequences (p < .001), with upward comparison being the strongest driver of anxiety and reduced life satisfaction. These results underscore the urgent need for digital wellness interventions targeting Gen Z in Pakistani society.