The study examines the nuanced effects of virtual social comparisons on university students using 401 surveys and 18 interviews. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study rigorously examines variables such as gender, place of residence, type of faculty, and academic level. The investigation aligns with the ‘social comparison theory,’ emphasizing how cultural resilience, gender dynamics, communal support structures, living conditions, and developmental stressors shape the effects of virtual social comparisons. Findings reveal an overall minimal impact, yet highlight significant gender-based differences in favor of male students. Despite diverse academic disciplines, the absence of differences based on faculty type underscores shared cultural resilience. Distinct impacts emerge based on the place of residence, with students in camps experiencing heightened effects due to socio-political and economic factors. Variations across academic levels correspond with developmental stressors, elucidating a dynamic relationship between academic advancement and the impact of virtual social comparisons. This research contributes nuanced insights for future studies and interventions, recognizing the multifaceted influence of cultural variables on students’ experiences in the digital age.

Title

Perspectives on Global Development and Technology

Publisher

Brill

Publisher Country

Netherlands

Indexing

Scopus

Impact Factor

0.4

Publication Type

Both (Printed and Online)

Volume

24

Year

2025

Pages

674-697