How does social comparison on social media affect how people evaluate their own lives?

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How does social comparison on social media affect how people evaluate their own lives?

Asked on Nov 25, 2025

Answer

Social comparison on social media can significantly influence how people perceive their own lives, often leading to feelings of inadequacy or envy when comparing themselves to others' curated online personas. This happens because social media platforms frequently highlight idealized images and achievements, which can distort reality and impact self-evaluation.

Example Explanation: Social media encourages users to compare themselves to others by presenting a stream of curated content, often showcasing the best moments of people's lives. This can lead to negative self-evaluation as users may feel their own lives are less exciting or successful in comparison. Awareness of this tendency can help individuals recognize the curated nature of online content and reduce the impact of these comparisons on their self-esteem.

Additional Comment:

Social media platforms often amplify positive content, making it seem like others have perfect lives.
Recognizing the selective nature of online sharing can help mitigate feelings of inadequacy.
Engaging in mindful social media use can improve self-perception and well-being.

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