This study identified the relationship between inferiority complex and problematic social networking service (SNS) use, and examined the mediating effects of self-presentational motives and recognition of differences in self-worth between reality and SNS (RDSRS) on this relationship. The participants included 293 men and women aged 19 years or above who used SNS. The Inferiority Complex Scale, Self-Presentational Motivation Scale, a questionnaire measuring RDSRS, and the SNS Addiction Proneness Scale were used. To analyze the double-parallel mediating effect, PROCESS Macro 3.5 Model 4 was used. The results revealed that inferiority complex was positively correlated with self-presentational motives, RDSRS, and problematic SNS use. Self-presentational motives were positively correlated with RDSRS and problematic SNS use, while RDSRS was positively correlated with problematic SNS use. Additionally, self-presentational motives and RDSRS mediated inferiority complex and problematic SNS use. These findings suggest that self-presentational motives and RDSRS should be considered when mental health professionals treat problematic SNS use in individuals with high inferiority complex.
