SOCIAL COMPARISON, ENVY, STRESS AND CORPORATE STALKING: AN ANALYSIS OF THE HIDDEN ASPECTS OF LINKEDIN

Abstract

Previous research on social media use reveals a complex intersection between user behavior and the psychological repercussions associated with the use of this and other social media. Phenomena such as fear of missing out (FoMO), stress, and social comparison emerge as central issues in this context. Although previous studies have addressed these phenomena in isolation in social networks, the analysis of the interrelationships between them is still scarce, making it difficult to understand the motivating factors and strategies to mitigate adverse effects, especially in corporate social networks. This study proposes a theoretical model integrating Festinger's Social Comparison Theory (1954) and the Compensatory Internet Use Theory, based on a sample of 622 Brazilian LinkedIn users. The results indicate that FoMO and social comparison are directly related to stress, with social comparison acting as a mediator in this dynamic. In addition, envy related to LinkedIn use negatively moderates the relationship between FoMO and social comparison. These findings provide new insights into the dynamics of LinkedIn use, highlighting not only its professionais functions, such as job search and networking, but also the psychological impacts that can arise in an increasingly competitive digital environment. The intensification of social comparison on digital platforms amplifies feelings of inadequacy, dissatisfaction, envy, and anger, as users are constantly exposed to idealized representations of others' professional lives. Therefore, understanding these interactions is essential to develop interventions that can mitigate the negative effects associated with the use of these platforms.