Social comparison on social media and mental health: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Frequent comparisons with idealized portrayals of others on social media may be linked to poorer mental health. To test this hypothesis, we systematically searched PsycInfo, MEDLINE, and Web of Science for studies published through April 28, 2026. A total of 149 observational studies (N = 76,262) and 77 experimental studies (N = 15,404) were included in meta-analytic syntheses. Upward social comparison tendency correlated cross-sectionally with mental health outcomes, including psychopathology (r = .32) and body dissatisfaction (r = .54). Worse comparative self-evaluations were associated with poorer mental health and vice versa, with moderate-to-large effect sizes. Across experimental studies, upward social comparisons adversely affected mental health. Results were robust in sub-group analyses (e.g., female or young samples). Across study designs, there was no evidence that downward comparisons were linked to mental health. These findings identify upward social comparisons as a robust correlate and potential risk factor for poor mental health.