According to social comparison theory, social comparison has a significant impact on human behavior and psychology (Festinger, 1954). Previous research suggests that social comparison is directly connected to social adaptation. It is also believed to play a role in influencing psychological phenomena such as anxiety, depression, and addiction. Social comparison theory states that people use information about themselves and others to make judgments about their own value and that of others. These comparisons help them adapt to their environment by giving them information about what values are important and which ones can be ignored. The theory also explains why some behaviors are so common: They're easy to perform and give immediate feedback about your status in society. Research has shown that it is very difficult for someone who tries to improve his or her standing in a group by comparing himself or herself to other people not to fall back into relying on outdated information about his or her predecessor's status. As a result, they are likely to repeat the same behaviors that got them there in the first place. Consider the case of Donald, who always gets picked last for teams in school sports events. He tries hard but never succeeds at getting picked before the last place player. Because of this, he continues to have low self-esteem and feels like an outcast. This can lead him to drink alcohol excessively because it makes him feel better about himself.