Social Comparison Theory
Definition
Social Comparison Theory, developed by Leon Festinger in 1954, proposes that we evaluate our own opinions, abilities, and characteristics by comparing ourselves to others. This isn't necessarily a conscious process; it often happens automatically. These comparisons can be to people we know personally (friends, family, colleagues) or to people we see in the media or observe generally (celebrities, influencers, strangers). There are two main types of social comparison: upward comparison (comparing ourselves to people we perceive as better than us) and downward comparison (comparing ourselves to people we perceive as worse than us). The direction of the comparison, upward or downward, influences our self-esteem and feelings.
Example
Henry is starting a new fitness routine. He begins following several fitness influencers
on Instagram. He sees their perfectly toned bodies, healthy meals, and consistent workout
schedules. Henry starts to compare himself to these influencers. He feels discouraged because
he's not seeing results as quickly as they appear to be. He feels like he isn't "good enough"
at fitness. This is an example of upward social comparison. If, instead, Henry saw a friend
struggling with the same workout routine and feeling frustrated, he might feel better about his
own progress. This would be downward social comparison.
Why it Matters
Social Comparison Theory is important because it helps explain a lot about human behavior and
feelings. It’s a key factor in understanding self-esteem, motivation, and even envy and depression. In today's world, with the prevalence of social media, we’re constantly bombarded with curated images of other people’s lives. This creates a fertile ground for social comparison, potentially leading to feelings of inadequacy or dissatisfaction. Understanding this theory can help us be more aware of how we’re evaluating ourselves and recognize when we're falling into unhelpful comparison traps. Being mindful of social comparison allows us to focus on our own progress and well-being, rather than getting caught up in trying to measure up to often unrealistic standards set by others.
