What are the types of social comparisons?

In most cases, we try to compare ourselves to those in our peer group or with whom we are similar. 2 There are two kinds of social comparison—upward social comparison and downward social comparison.

How important is social comparison?

Social comparison can motivate people to improve, but it can also promote judgmental, biased, and overly competitive or superior attitudes.

How does social comparison influence the way we see ourselves?

Upward and Downward Comparisons Influence Our Self-Esteem. When we are able to compare ourselves favorably with others, we feel good about ourselves, but when the outcome of comparison suggests that others are better or better off than we are, then our self-esteem is likely to suffer.

What is social comparison online?

According to social comparison theory, individuals determine their own social and personal worth based on how they measure up against others. Teens tend to focus on qualities such as perceived attractiveness and popularity when they engage in social comparison.

What is social comparison examples?

Other examples of how social comparison theory is used in the merchandising industry include commercials and advertisements from a variety of perfume commercials, Victoria’s Secret, Old Spice, Axe, and Nike. Many companies use upward social comparison as an incentive to get consumers to buy their products.

What is social comparison?

Social comparison is an aspect of social perception, and has developed from a theory initially proposed by social psychologist Leon Festinger in 1954. This theory explains how individuals evaluate their own opinions and desires by comparing themselves to others.

How does the social comparison theory affect you?

Social comparison is a theory developed by Leon Festinger which states that social comparison has many effects on everyday life, including body perception, learning in schools, self-esteem, exercise habits, and even balance. These different topics have been studied numerous times in the past.

What is social comparison in psychology?

What is social comparison theory in Psychology. This refers to a theory which states that human beings determine their personal worth by comparing themselves to others. People might compare their status with others who are either better off (upward comparison) or worse off (downward comparison) than themselves in the social hierarchy.