In today's world, it is common for people to compare themselves to others, whether it be through social media platforms, friends, family members, co-workers, celebrities, or even strangers they see on the street. This type of comparison has been linked to increased levels of anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and body image issues. While it may seem like comparing oneself can help motivate one to improve, research shows that these types of comparisons often lead to negative outcomes such as feeling worse about oneself, leading to decreased motivation, increased stress and anxiety, and even physical symptoms such as pain and tension.
The way people make social comparisons can also intensify psychological pain from dysfunctional situations such as abusive relationships, trauma, and grief. When someone compares their situation to another person who appears to have more positive attributes than them, they tend to experience greater distress, which can further exacerbate their existing problems.
If a person who has experienced a breakup sees an Instagram post from a couple celebrating their anniversary, they may feel additional sadness or anger towards their former partner. In addition, when someone with chronic pain looks at other healthy individuals, they may become frustrated with themselves, leading to further disability and feelings of hopelessness.
Comparing ourselves to others can also create a sense of competition and jealousy, which can fuel our desire to win in any given situation.
This kind of behavior is not sustainable and leads to even more distress when we do not succeed.
Making comparisons based on material possessions rather than personal values can cause us to lose sight of what truly matters in life, resulting in dissatisfaction and regret.
While social comparison is a normal human behavior, it should be done thoughtfully and mindfully. By recognizing the negative effects of comparing ourselves to others and focusing on our own strengths and goals, we can reduce the intensity of our emotional pain and live happier lives.
How do social comparisons intensify psychological pain from dysfunction?
Social comparison is an inherent component of human behavior that involves comparing oneself with others on various aspects such as physical attributes, abilities, accomplishments, status, and socioeconomic position. People often engage in social comparison to evaluate their performance and achievements against those of others. When individuals compare themselves with highly successful people, they experience negative feelings like anxiety, shame, and low self-esteem.