Facebook effects on envy, depression, and impulse buying toward university students in Ho Chi Minh City

Abstract

This study combines the theoretical framework of social ranking and envy, depression and impulse purchase behavior of Facebook users. The purpose of the study is to determine the relationship between Facebook, envy, depression and impulsive buying. With the combination of quantitative and qualitative methods conducted with 380 observed samples who are university students in Ho Chi Minh City frequently browsing Facebook, research results show that regular use of Facebook causes envy and depression. To alleviate this negative psychology, students tend to buy impulsively, though this behavior causes financial and mental harm to the young buyers. The study applies basic linking to online interactions, especially on Facebook. College students spend a large amount of time on online activities, especially accessing Facebook. Research results show that despite the pleasure given by using Facebook, the platform’s users will suffer from depression caused by long hours spent. If college students are aware of the potential dangers of overusing their time on Facebook, they can limit their use or become more aware of negative feelings generated by envy about others' personal information. Successfully avoiding depression requires college students to retain a positive perception and keep an optimistic attitude.