How Does Social Comparison Influence Yourself?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Upward and Downward Influence Our Self-Esteem. … When we are able to

compare ourselves favorably

with others, we feel good about ourselves, but when the outcome of suggests that others are better or better off than we are, then our self-esteem is likely to suffer.

How does social comparison influence the self?

Social Comparison Helps Create the Self-Concept. … Social comparison. occurs when we

learn about our abilities and skills

, about the appropriateness and validity of our opinions, and about our relative social status by comparing our own attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors with those of others.

What is the influence of social comparison?

As you compare yourself to others, consider how both upward and downward social comparison might influence your

self-belief, confidence, motivation, and attitude

, and watch out for negative feelings that might emerge as a result of this process.

How does the social comparison theory affect you?

As you compare yourself to others, consider how both upward and downward social comparison might influence your

self-belief, confidence, motivation, and attitude

, and watch out for negative feelings that might emerge as a result of this process.

How does comparison affect your life?

Research has found that comparing

breeds feelings of envy, low-self confidence, and depression

, as well as compromises our ability to trust others. … When comparing leads you to devalue yourself or others you've entered dangerous territory.

Is social comparison good or bad?

People who have higher self-esteem and fewer stressors in their lives tend

to fare better with social comparisons

. For example, generally speaking, when we make downward social comparisons and compare ourselves to those who are less well-off, it generally makes us feel better.

What is social comparison on social media?

According to social comparison theory,

individuals determine their own social and personal worth

Why you should not compare siblings?

Sometimes comparing

siblings is harmless

, but if you're not careful, you may cause a child to feel as though he or she can't measure up and spark anxiety and sibling rivalry. Your children may be siblings, but they are different people. … Those feelings can lead to resentment and an unhealthy focus on competition.

How does social comparison affect mental health?

Individuals with greater social comparison orientation derived from low self-esteem have worse mental health, as they are

more likely to hurt themselves psychologically

(Jang et al. 2016). SNSs can facilitate upward social comparison and negatively influence individuals' perceived social support.

Why is comparing yourself to others bad?

No matter how well you're doing, comparing yourself to other people takes your

eyes off your goals

. And it can cause you to feel bad about how you're doing–because there will always be someone who looks happier, wealthier, healthier, and more successful.

Is comparison good or bad?


It's not good

if we're just trying to gain a sense of superiority or avoiding challenging ourselves to do better. But such downward comparisons can remind us of our own fortune. They can also help us when we think about the things we regret but we cannot change.

What is the danger of comparison?


Most comparisons are considered to be dangerous

. The only comparisons that are considered to be healthy are those that inspire you to make a change in your life for the better. Other than that most comparisons are damaging to our positive mental health.

What are the four reasons why we should not be comparing ourselves to others?

  • Comparison is the thief of joy. …
  • Comparison will stall your progress. …
  • You can't physically change who you are. …
  • No one has a perfect life. …
  • There will always be someone better than you at something.

Why do I compare my social life to others?

There's actually a

biological reason

we're prone to comparing ourselves to others. Our brain uses comparison to figure out how we measure up to other people. Anxiety is real, but it doesn't define you.

How do you stop social comparison?

  1. Identify specific triggers. If you want to stop comparing yourself to others, determine when envy rears its ugly head. …
  2. Commit yourself to gratitude. …
  3. Document your achievements. …
  4. Embrace the competition. …
  5. Be your own best friend.

Why is social comparison bad?

Studies have shown that people who make frequent social comparisons are

more likely to experience feelings of envy

, regret, guilt and defensiveness and also lie, blame others or have unmet cravings. … Ultimately, social comparisons in either respect can decrease a person's feeling of well-being.

Juan Martinez
Author
Juan Martinez
Juan Martinez is a journalism professor and experienced writer. With a passion for communication and education, Juan has taught students from all over the world. He is an expert in language and writing, and has written for various blogs and magazines.