The Moderating Roles of Social Comparison in the Relationship Between Instagram Reels Use and Mental Health Outcomes: A Cross-sectional Study in Oman

Instagram Reels, a widely used short-form video feature, has become integral to daily social media habits, particularly among young adults. However, its psychological impact remains poorly understood in non-Western populations. This cross-sectional study examined whether social comparison moderates the association between Instagram Reels use and mental health outcomes. A total of 2,285 Omani participants (mean age 22.6 years; 76.5% female) completed Arabic versions of the GAD-2, WHO-5, and Social Comparison Scale. Reels engagement was significantly associated with greater anxiety and lower well-being. Moderation analysis revealed that individuals with higher tendencies for social comparison experienced stronger negative effects (ΔR² = 0.02 for anxiety; 0.01 for well-being). Female participants reported higher anxiety levels, though gender did not significantly influence the moderation pattern. Age analysis suggested a reduction in vulnerability beyond 30 years. Psychometric testing confirmed the unidimensional structure of the Arabic Social Comparison Scale. These findings indicate that algorithm-driven content paired with upward social comparison may increase psychological distress among heavy Reels users. The study highlights the importance of culturally sensitive strategies to mitigate mental health risks in digital environments.