The Comparative Trap: How Social Comparison Orientation Drives Problematic Generative AI (GenAI) Use
2026-06-02 • Human-Computer Interaction
Human-Computer Interaction
AI summaryⓘ
The authors studied how people who often compare themselves to others might use Generative AI (GenAI) in unhealthy ways. They found that constantly comparing oneself increases worries about missing out and feeling replaceable, which then leads to more problematic use of GenAI. This shows that social comparison, not just personal psychological issues, plays a key role in how people might overuse GenAI tools. The study used data from 396 Chinese users to reach these conclusions.
Generative AIProblematic useSocial comparison orientationFear of missing out (FoMO)Person-Affect-Cognition-Execution (I-PACE) modelEmotional mechanismsCognitive mechanismsStructural Equation Modeling (SEM)Bootstrap methods
Authors
Xuchao Zhang, Jihye Lee
Abstract
Although Generative AI (GenAI) improves task efficiency in the short term, it creates competitive pressures that perpetuate individuals' fear of being eliminated, thereby increasing the risk of problematic use. Existing research has focused on the perspective of individual psychological vulnerability, but has neglected the social comparison context caused by GenAI. This study examines the direct effects of social comparison orientation on problematic GenAI use and explores their indirect effects via emotional and cognitive mechanisms, grounded in the Person-Affect-Cognition-Execution (I-PACE) model. The research analyzed data from 396 Chinese GenAI users using SEM and bootstrap methods. Findings show that social comparison orientation has a significant direct impact on problematic GenAI use and can additionally influence AI flow and perceived irreplaceability through fear of missing out (FoMO), finally leading to problematic GenAI use.