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Psychology Open Question

Social comparison is a psychological process where individuals evaluate themselves against others, significantly impacting self-esteem either positively or negatively. Particularly during adolescence, social comparison is influenced by peer opinions and behaviors, and with the rise of social media, these comparisons have intensified, often leading to lower self-esteem and increased anxiety. The innate drive to compare oneself to others stems from evolutionary psychology, emphasizing the importance of social ranking and belonging for survival.

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6 views3 pages

Psychology Open Question

Social comparison is a psychological process where individuals evaluate themselves against others, significantly impacting self-esteem either positively or negatively. Particularly during adolescence, social comparison is influenced by peer opinions and behaviors, and with the rise of social media, these comparisons have intensified, often leading to lower self-esteem and increased anxiety. The innate drive to compare oneself to others stems from evolutionary psychology, emphasizing the importance of social ranking and belonging for survival.

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How does social comparison affect self-esteem, and why do we

often measure ourselves against others?

Social comparison is a fundamental psychological process which individuals


evaluate themselves in relation to others. This evaluation can significantly
influence self-esteem, either enhancing or diminishing it depending on the
circumstances. According to Leon Festinger (1954), the theory of social
comparison posits that humans have an innate drive to assess their own abilities
and opinions, often using others as a benchmark.

When individuals compare themselves to others, they often assess their social
standing, achievements, and characteristics. These comparisons can either lead to
feelings of superiority or inferiority, significantly affecting one's sense of self-
worth. For example, upward social comparisons, where individuals compare
themselves to others perceived as superior, often lead to feelings of inadequacy
and diminished self-esteem. In contrast, downward social comparisons, where
individuals compare themselves to those perceived as less fortunate, can
temporarily enhance self-esteem by boosting feelings of superiority

During adolescence, social comparison plays a particularly influential role in


shaping self-esteem. As teenagers strive to define their identities, they are highly
susceptible to the opinions and behaviors of their peers. Research by
Papadopoulos (2007) highlights how social comparisons in adolescence are often
driven by the desire to fit in and gain social approval. As a result, teens may be
more likely to engage in upward comparisons, particularly in areas such as
physical appearance, academic achievement, and popularity.

With the advent of social media, the dynamics of social comparison have become
even more pervasive. Platforms such as Instagram and Facebook often portray an
idealized version of reality, with users sharing only the most flattering aspects of
their lives. Fardouly et al. (2015) found that constant exposure to such curated
images can exacerbate body dissatisfaction and negative self-perception,
particularly among young people. Adolescents, who are still in the process of
building their self-identity, are especially vulnerable to the pressures of social
comparison on these platforms. The relentless comparison to others, often driven
by unrealistic standards of beauty and success, can lead to lower self-esteem and
heightened feelings of anxiety and inadequacy.

The question of why we often measure ourselves against others can be


understood through evolutionary psychology. Historically, humans lived in small
communities where social ranking and group acceptance were crucial for survival.
As a result, humans developed an innate tendency to compare themselves to
others in order to evaluate their social standing and ensure their inclusion in the
group (Tesser, 1988). This desire for social belonging continues to drive social
comparisons in modern society, even in situations where they may not be directly
related to survival or group cohesion.

In conclusion, social comparison plays a significant role in shaping self-esteem,


particularly during adolescence. Whether through upward or downward
comparisons, the way individuals measure themselves against others can either
enhance or undermine their self-worth. With the rise of social media, the
pressure to compare oneself to others has intensified, often leading to negative
psychological outcomes. Understanding the impact of social comparison can help
individuals navigate these comparisons more effectively and foster healthier self-
esteem.

References:
Fardouly, J., Diedrichs, P. C., Vartanian, L. R., & Halliwell, E. (2015). Social
comparisons on social media: The impact of Facebook on young women's body
image concerns and mood. Body Image, 13, 38-45.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2014.12.002
Festinger, L. (1954). A theory of social comparison processes. Human Relations,
7(2), 117-140. https://doi.org/10.1177/001872675400700202
Tesser, A. (1988). Toward a self-evaluation maintenance model of social behavior.
Advances in Experimental Social Psychology, 21, 181-227.
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0065-2601(08)60227-6

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