Social comparison is a natural behavior that humans have engaged in since ancient times. It has evolved from comparing oneself to others within one's immediate environment for survival purposes. With the advent of social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, TikTok, etc., this process of social comparison has been amplified, intensified, and diversified. People can now compare themselves with strangers across continents, who share different cultural backgrounds, languages, beliefs, and values. This has led to an increase in self-comparison, which negatively affects cognitive functioning and emotional well-being.
Cognitive consequences include decreased attention span, increased anxiety, depression, stress, and lowered self-esteem. Social media users often experience FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) as they scroll through posts of friends and acquaintances sharing their achievements or exciting experiences without them. They may also feel jealousy or envy when seeing photos of people living lavish lifestyles or having a perfect body shape. These feelings lead to negative thoughts about oneself, questioning abilities, worthiness, and self-confidence. Social comparison can also lead to distraction and procrastination, resulting in lower productivity levels.
Emotional consequences are more severe, including poor mental health outcomes such as loneliness, isolation, low mood, and even suicidal ideations. Comparing oneself to influencers or celebrities online creates unrealistic expectations and leads to negative self-image. The constant pressure to look 'perfect' on social media makes it difficult for individuals to accept their imperfections and be comfortable in their skin. It reinforces the idea that everyone should strive for perfectionism instead of authenticity and genuineness.
Social comparison can lead to cyberbullying, trolling, and hate speech, which have devastating impacts on psychological well-being.
It is essential to regulate social media use, limit screen time, set boundaries with digital platforms, and engage in offline activities. Seek professional help if needed. Mindfulness practices like meditation, journaling, yoga, exercise, and gratitude exercises can counteract the effects of social comparison by focusing attention on one's present state and appreciating what one has rather than longing for something else.
What are the cognitive and emotional consequences of social comparison in digital media, and how do they affect well-being?
Social comparisons made through digital media can lead to negative outcomes for one's mental health and overall well-being. Studies have shown that individuals who engage in excessive amounts of social comparison tend to experience higher levels of anxiety, depression, self-criticism, and body image dissatisfaction. This is because social comparisons can often lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem as people compare themselves unfavorably to others they see online.