The Comparative Trap: How Social Comparison Orientation Drives Problematic Generative AI (GenAI) Use

2026-06-02

AI Summary

This study addresses a gap in the literature by examining how social comparison orientation drives problematic generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) use through fear of missing out (FoMO), a context previously overlooked in existing research. Grounded in the I-PACE model, the authors analyzed data from 396 Chinese GenAI users using structural equation modeling and bootstrapping methods. Results reveal that social comparison orientation not only directly predicts problematic GenAI use but also indirectly exacerbates it by heightening FoMO, which in turn amplifies users’ immersion in AI and their perception of its irreplaceability. This work is the first to integrate a social comparison perspective into GenAI research, uncovering the mediating roles of affective and cognitive mechanisms and thereby extending the applicability of the I-PACE model to human–AI interaction contexts.

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.

Problem

• Generative AI
• problematic use
• social comparison orientation
• fear of missing out
• perceived irreplaceability

Innovation

• social comparison orientation
• problematic GenAI use
• fear of missing out (FoMO)
• I-PACE model
• AI flow