Social comparison bias | Solutional Webdesign Antwerpen

ALL 0-9 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Social comparison bias refers to the human tendency to evaluate one’s own worth based on comparisons with others. It’s a psychological phenomenon that can have significant mental health implications. Studies have found a link between social comparison and depression, with individuals engaging in such comparisons often showing higher levels of depression. Two forms of comparison are generally observed – upward, where one compares oneself to those better off, and downward, where comparison is made with those less fortunate. This bias can also lead to anxiety and harmful behavioral coping mechanisms, such as substance abuse. The media, particularly social media^[1], plays a significant role in amplifying social comparison bias, by promoting unrealistic beauty standards and fostering a culture of comparison. This bias also influences academic contexts, with students comparing grades and performance, which can impact self-concepts and academic achievements.

Terms definitions

1. ↑ social media. Social media is a broad term encompassing a variety of digital tools and platforms that facilitate the sharing of information and the creation of virtual communities. Emerging from early systems like PLATO and ARPANET, it has evolved into modern platforms like Facebook and Twitter. These platforms offer unique features that differentiate them from traditional media, including the ability for users to generate content and engage in dialogic communication. They cater to over 100 million users globally and offer different forms of services, such as messaging apps and collaborative content creation platforms. The use of social media has far-reaching impacts on individuals, society, and businesses, influencing everything from marketing practices to political processes. However, it's also associated with ethical concerns, such as the spread of misinformation and potential addiction.

Glossary

Social comparison bias (Wikipedia)

This article's tone or style may not reflect the encyclopedic tone used on Wikipedia. See Wikipedia's guide to writing better articles for suggestions. (June 2016) (Learn how and when to remove this template message)

Social comparison bias is the tendency to have feelings of dislike and competitiveness with someone seen as physically, socially, or mentally better than oneself. Social comparison bias or social comparison theory is the idea that individuals determine their own worth based on how they compare to others. The theory was developed in 1954 by psychologist Leon Festinger. This can be compared to social comparison, which is believed to be central to achievement motivation, feelings of injustice, depression, jealousy, and people's willingness to remain in relationships or jobs. The basis of the theory is that people are believed to compete for the best outcome in relation to their peers. For example, one might make a comparison between the low-end department stores they go to frequently and the designer stores of their peers. Such comparisons may evoke feelings of resentment, anger , and envy with their peers. This bias revolves mostly around wealth and social status; it is unconscious and people who make these are largely unaware of them. In most cases, people try to compare themselves to those in their peer group or with whom they are similar.

« Back to Glossary Index