TikTok Use and Social Anxiety Among University Students in China: The Role of Social Comparison

Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between TikTok use and social anxiety among university students in first-tier cities in China through an online questionnaire survey, with a particular focus on the role of social comparison theory. It proposes that frequent use of TikTok may intensify social comparison tendencies, which may in turn increase levels of social anxiety. Data were collected from 18 undergraduate students aged 18 to 22 using a primarily quantitative approach. The questionnaire included open-ended questions to gather additional qualitative information, along with scales to measure social comparison tendencies (INCOM) and social anxiety symptoms (LSAS). Moreover, it examined how often and how long participants used TikTok. Statistical analysis using SPSS showed that participants used TikTok often, mainly for entertainment and information. The initial results suggested a positive relationship between how much TikTok was used and the tendency to compare oneself to others. In addition, social comparison was also linked to higher levels of self-reported social anxiety. Responses to the open-ended questions further revealed that, although some students believed that frequent exposure to idealised content encouraged them to share more about their own lives, others reported that such exposure created pressure and even led to avoidance behaviours. The results of this study suggest that social comparison might help explain the connection between using TikTok and experiencing social anxiety. This study adds to the growing research on how social media affects the mental health of specific student groups. It also offers important information for mental health education, particularly about how university students use digital media. Keywords TikTok use; social anxiety; social comparison; university students; China 43-63 TikTok Use and Social Anxiety Among University Students in China The Role of Social Comparison 下载 Pages: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Share this: Share on X (Opens in new window) X Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook Like Loading…