earticle

영어

This study examines the relationship between social media use and relative deprivation, focusing on the roles of social media reading targets and generational differences among Korean users. Utilizing a demographically representative sample recruited through a professional research company (N=970), the research explores how exposure to different types of social media contacts—acquaintances (family/close friends), acquaintances (not often met), non-acquaintances, and celebrities—affects individuals’ subjective well-being and sense of deprivation. The findings reveal that the psychological impact of social media is not uniform but varies according to the nature of online relationships and generational cohort. Adolescents are particularly susceptible to upward social comparison with celebrities and unfamiliar individuals, while young and middle-aged adults experience broader comparison effects, including with close friends and family. For older adults, both the type of social media contact and socioeconomic status significantly influence feelings of deprivation. The study underscores the importance of targeted social media literacy interventions and highlights the need for further longitudinal and cross-cultural research to clarify causal relationships. These insights contribute to the advancement of social media research and support the development of age- and context-specific strategies to promote psychological well-being in the digital era.