# Social comparison bias

Social comparison bias is a cognitive bias in which individuals exhibit feelings of dislike and competitiveness toward others perceived as superior in physical, social, or intellectual aspects. Social comparison bias is closely associated with social comparison theory, which suggests that individuals assess their own value by comparing themselves to others. This theory was developed in 1954 by psychologist Leon Festinger. It is believed to play a significant role in achievement motivation, feelings of injustice, depression, jealousy, and individuals' willingness to remain in relationships or jobs.
The theory posits that individuals strive to achieve favorable outcomes relative to their peers. For example, a person may compare the affordability of their frequent shopping locations to the designer stores visited by their peers. Such comparisons may lead to emotions such as resentment, anger, and envy. The bias predominantly revolves around wealth and social status and often operates unconsciously, with individuals largely unaware of their engagement in such comparisons. In most cases, individuals compare themselves with members of their peer group or others perceived as similar.

## Research

Numerous studies have explored social comparison and its effects on mental health. One study examined the relationship between depression and social comparison. Thwaites and Dagnan, in "Moderating Variables in the Relationship Between Social Comparison and Depression," investigated the impact of social comparison using an evolutionary framework. They hypothesized that depression could result from frequent social comparisons. The study examined the moderating effects of an individual's perception of the importance of comparison dimensions and their perceived importance to others.
Depression levels were measured using the Self Attributes Questionnaire, developed by Pelham and Swann in 1989. This questionnaire featured ten-point Likert scale ratings across ten social comparison dimensions, including intelligence, social skills, and sense of humor. Data were collected from a mixed clinical and non-clinical sample of 174 individuals. The findings suggested that individuals who engaged in frequent social comparison exhibited higher levels of depression than those who did so infrequently.
Two primary types of social comparison have been identified: upward and downward comparisons. Upward comparisons occur when individuals compare themselves to those perceived as superior, which can foster motivation or, conversely, lead to feelings of inadequacy. In contrast, downward comparisons involve comparing oneself to those perceived as less fortunate, which can result in a temporary boost in self-esteem."Social Comparison: An Unavoidable Upward or Downward Spiral". PositivePsychology.com. 2016-04-30. Archived from the original on 2020-05-13. Retrieved 2020-04-21.

## Cognitive effects

One of the significant psychological effects of social comparison bias is its association with depression. Depression is typically diagnosed using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) criteria and is characterized by symptoms such as depressed mood, hopelessness, and sleep disturbances, including both hypersomnia and insomnia. Research indicates that clinical depression can be influenced by various factors, including biological predispositions such as hippocampus shrinkage and decreased levels of serotonin.
Another psychological consequence of social comparison bias is suicidal ideation, defined as persistent thoughts about suicide and suicide attempts. Suicidal ideation can be triggered when individuals perceive themselves as failing to meet social expectations, leading to diminished self-esteem. Additionally, social comparison bias can increase anxiety levels, particularly regarding personal progress, social standing, and physical appearance. This can manifest as social anxiety and avoidance behaviors, particularly in situations where individuals feel scrutinized in comparison to others."Triggers in Social Media". Seasons In Malibu. 2017-07-22. Archived from the original on 2020-09-22. Retrieved 2020-04-21.

## Physical and behavioral effects

Social comparison bias can lead individuals to engage in harmful coping mechanisms, including substance abuse, self-harm (e.g., cutting), and eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa.Blechert, Jens; Nickert, Till; Caffier, Detlef; Tuschen-Caffier, Brunna (October 2009). "Social Comparison and Its Relation to Body Dissatisfaction in Bulimia Nervosa: Evidence From Eye Movements". Psychosomatic Medicine. 71 (8): 907–912. doi:10.1097/PSY.0b013e3181b4434d. ISSN 0033-3174. PMID 19661192. S2CID 31290938.

## Social comparison bias in media

Mainstream media significantly influences social comparison. Advertisements, magazines, television, and online content often present idealized beauty standards, leading individuals to compare themselves to these depictions. Such comparisons can contribute to decreased self-esteem and increased depression. Research suggests that social comparison related to media exposure plays a role in the development of anxiety, negative body image, and eating disorders.

## Social comparison in education

Social comparison is also prevalent in educational settings. Students often evaluate their academic performance relative to their peers, influencing their self-concept and motivation. High-performing students may experience lower self-concept when surrounded by equally high-achieving peers, while those in lower-performing groups may develop a relatively higher self-concept.

## Conclusion

Social comparison bias affects multiple aspects of daily life, influencing mental health, self-esteem, and social behaviors. It is particularly prevalent in contexts such as social media, mainstream media, and education. Research indicates that frequent social comparisons are associated with higher levels of depression and suicidal ideation, underscoring the importance of awareness and coping strategies.