What is social comparison?

Social comparison is a fundamental human process where we evaluate ourselves by comparing our abilities, attitudes, and possessions with others. It's a way to gauge our own standing in the social world.

What are the main features of social comparison?

• Two Directions: We can compare ourselves upwards to those we perceive as better than us, or downwards to those we perceive as worse off.
• Motivational Tool: Social comparison can motivate us to improve ourselves (upward comparison) or to feel better about ourselves (downward comparison).
• Self-Esteem: Both upward and downward comparisons can influence our self-esteem, depending on the outcome.
• Influenced by Context: The specific context and what's being compared (looks, intelligence, social status) can significantly impact the outcome.

Why is social comparison important?

• Self-Evaluation: Social comparison helps us define who we are and how we fit in with others.
• Social Learning: By observing others, we can learn new skills and behaviors.
• Motivation and Goal Setting: Upward comparisons can motivate us to strive for improvement, while downward comparisons can reinforce our self-worth and satisfaction.

What are applications of social comparison in practice?

• Marketing and Advertising: Ads often use social comparison to highlight how their product or service can make you better off, more successful, or more attractive compared to others.
• Social Media: Social media platforms can fuel social comparison, as people tend to curate and present their best selves online, potentially leading to feelings of inadequacy in others.
• Performance Reviews: Performance reviews often involve comparing an employee's performance to set standards or benchmarks, which can be a form of social comparison.

Practical example

Imagine you're training for a marathon. You might compare your running times with friends who are also training (upward comparison) to see how you stack up and motivate yourself to improve. Alternatively, you might compare yourself to runners who are much slower (downward comparison) to feel good about your own progress.

Critical comments

• Negative Impact: Upward comparisons can lead to feelings of inadequacy, envy, and discouragement.
• Social Media Distortion: The curated online world can create an unrealistic portrayal of others' lives, leading to distorted social comparisons.
• Focus on Individuality: Social comparison shouldn't be the sole measure of self-worth. Individual growth and personal goals are equally important.