Materialistic Mindsets on Social Media Linked to Mental Health Decline
New study warns of the impact of materialism on social media, revealing a perilous link to stress and diminished life satisfaction. The research shows how materialistic desires on such platforms contribute to addictive behavior and mental health decline.
By Richard Cole · January 22, 2024
In the age of social media, the pursuit of materialistic desires has taken a toll on mental well-being, according to a recent study conducted by researchers from Ruhr University Bochum, Germany. The study, published in the journal Telematics and Informatics Reports, delves into the impact of materialism on social media users, revealing a concerning downward spiral leading to increased stress and decreased life satisfaction.
The research, led by Dr. Phillip Ozimek from the Faculty of Psychology, involved a comprehensive online survey with over 1,200 participants who actively used social media channels at least once a week. Participants reported spending an average of just over two hours per day on social media.
The study employed six questionnaires to assess materialistic attitudes, comparison tendencies, active and passive social media use, addiction levels, stress, and life satisfaction among participants.
The findings revealed a strong correlation between a materialistic mindset and the inclination to compare oneself with others. Social media platforms, with their vast array of content, facilitate this comparison, particularly through passive use—observing the content posted by others. Materialism and passive social media use were also identified as contributors to addictive behavior, where users constantly fear missing out if not online, leading to heightened stress levels.
"Social media is one of six stepping stones to unhappiness,"
One alarming discovery is the feedback loop between social media and materialism. The study suggests that social media not only attracts individuals with materialistic tendencies but also has the potential to enhance and propagate these values through influencer marketing and other mechanisms.
In response to these findings, Dr. Ozimek recommends awareness of social media usage, urging users to limit their time online. However, he cautions against complete abandonment of social media, as it may lead to overcompensation.
“Overall, the study provides further evidence that the use of social media is associated with risks, especially for people with a highly materialistic mindset,”
The implications of this research extend to mental health interventions. Dr. Ozimek suggests incorporating assessments of materialism and social media use in the treatment of mental health disorders. While these factors may not be the sole determinants, they can serve as valuable starting points for additional interventions that patients can explore independently.
As the study sheds light on the risks associated with social media use, it underscores the importance of fostering a healthy relationship with these platforms and being mindful of the impact they can have on our mental well-being.