[mennis16]

Yes if I'm remembering correctly this study was published by Facebook data science after some psych lab published a study that went semi-viral suggesting people were more unhappy when their network made mostly happy posts (which was explained by jealousy/comparing self to others).

I remember thinking both studies had limitations, the main one here being that the interpretation is a stretch and to me was obviously trying to push back on the original popular narrative.

Point being, I agree it is definitely plausible that seeing positive posts encourages more showing off rather than actual happiness. I would be interested if anyone is aware of any more recent follow-up studies?