Don’t we all have this habit of comparing ourselves to others?
Have you tried to imitate those often in the choicest branded clothes and have an air of superiority?
Social norms can impact how we perceive ourselves and our worth.
Isn’t the grass always greener on the other side? Have you heard about the crane who wanted to be a peacock? Well, that is the cautionary tale of social comparison bias.
This article discusses why people compare themselves to others, who is most affected by it, and how to stop doing it. It explains social comparison bias and gives tips on how to overcome it.
Understanding “Social Comparison Bias”
Social comparison bias is a psychological tendency that causes us to measure our worth and abilities relative to those around us. The most common human tendency is to compare each other’s lives to measure who is more successful or better off regarding salaries, status, clothes we wear, or things we own. This tendency can greatly impact how we view ourselves, our relationships, and our careers.
Imagine you see your friend flaunting their brand-new luxury car while you’re still driving around in your old car. If someone doesn’t have the same wealth or possessions as another person in a particular situation, it could cause social comparison, resulting in feelings of inferiority and inadequacy. As a result, negative emotions such as envy, resentment, and depression can be felt.
In today’s world, social comparison bias can often get amplified through social media, where people tend to showcase only their best moments, making it easy for others to feel like they are falling behind. Therefore, it’s important to recognize this bias and actively work to avoid negative comparisons by focusing on one’s strengths and achievements rather than just comparing oneself to others.
It’s understandable to experience envy or even hate towards people who appear better equipped than you in physical, social, or intellectual abilities. Social comparison bias is real and can lead to feelings of inferiority if we aren’t careful. We may not realize that we’re engaging in it, but comparing our achievements, physical appearance, or social status to others can have a negative impact on our mental and emotional welfare.
Regrettably, social comparison bias can cause us to lose sight of our abilities and potential. Therefore, whenever we feel inclined to compare ourselves to someone else, we should remind ourselves that we are exceptional and capable in our own right.
The Exploited And The Exploiters
People who can be typical victims of social comparison bias include those less secure in their sense of identity and individuality and those trying to navigate a rapidly changing world. Unfortunately, social media platforms often use this bias to drive engagement and create a false sense of “Keeping up with the celebrities.”
Social comparison bias can be capitalized on by marketers who want to prevent individuals from finding their strength and confidence by encouraging them to purchase their products or services instead of their competitors.
Influences might be affecting my decisions. It might not be easy, but knowledge is power when it comes to avoiding manipulation by marketers!
Day To Day Social Comparison Bias
- When people compare their vacation experiences with others and feel envious of friends’ exotic destinations or feel inadequate about their vacation plans.
- One feels inferior because all the friends are getting engaged, married, or having kids before you.
- A person compares physical appearance with others, such as their weight, height, or skin condition, can lead to feelings of discontentment or low self-esteem.
- When parentss compare their children’s academic or extracurricular accomplishments with those of other parents’ children in their community.
Recognizing When You’re Slipping Into the Social Comparison Bias Trap
To identify when you are falling into the trap of social comparison bias, look out for signs that you’re comparing yourself to others or being influenced by what they’re doing.
Ask yourself questions like:
- Am I making decisions based on someone else’s success or choices?
- Am I feeling inadequate because of what others have achieved?”
- Am I trying to keep up with other people who may not even be relevant to my life right now?
These above questions help you assess your thought processes and help prevent falling into the trap of social comparison bias.
Overcoming the Social Comparison Bias Trap
Practice self-acceptance
Remember that you are unique and do not get driven by the expectations of others.
Focus on your journey
Focus on your accomplishments rather than others’ accomplishments.
Set realistic goals
Setting unrealistic goals can make it hard to stay inspired, so set achievable objectives and milestones for yourself.
Take a break from social media
Being bombarded by other people’s successes can be unhealthy for your self-esteem, so give yourself time away from comparison-inducing platforms such as Twitter or Instagram.
Learn to appreciate what you have
Instead of yearning for more, it’s essential to appreciate and rejoice over the things we already possess.
Stay motivated
Find inspiring activities that make you feel good and keep going even when challenges arise.
Find healthy role models
Look around at people who have achieved success without compromising their principles. Use them as sources of motivation and inspiration rather than comparison points.
Final Thoughts
Once there lived a peacock who believed that his beautiful and colorful feathers made him the best. One day he came upon a crane with plain and dull feathers. He couldn’t resist showing off and making the crane feel inferior. Peacock taunted the crane at this appearance, calling him ugly and unattractive, But here interestingly, the crane didn’t let the peacock’s arrogance get to him.
The crane quickly responded with a clever comeback, stating that although his feathers may not be as charming as the peacock’s, they impart to him the strength and mastery of flying high and enjoying the magnificent view of mother earth. And those who stay on the ground cannot enjoy this rare opportunity.
This story is a strong reminder as to how social comparison bias can blind us to our own worth and focus instead on what we lack in comparison to others. The peacock felt superior because of his appearance, while the crane knew that his abilities were just as valuable. It is tempting to believe that external features like attractiveness or status define who we are, but in actual fact, our actions and a good personality are what counts.
So, the moral of the story: Kindly do not judge a bird by its feathers. Every individual has something special to contribute to society, and it’s your responsibility to acknowledge and appreciate your worth as well as others, regardless of your outer appearance.
And if you’re unsure about why there always seems to be green grass on the other side, it could be artificial grass! And you hadn’t realized it! Enjoyed the read? Did it manage to remove those negative and inferior thoughts? For more articles on psychological biases and other interesting topics, subscribe to our newsletter.
Reference
The above article is based on the book Thinking Clearly; this article is here to help us learn and understand how our minds can be tricked by something called cognitive biases.