Social comparisons can impact selfesteem from "summary" of The Social Animal by David Brooks
Social comparisons play a significant role in shaping our self-esteem. When we compare ourselves to others, we tend to evaluate our own worth based on how we stack up against them. This comparison can have a direct impact on how we perceive ourselves and our place in the world. For example, if we constantly measure ourselves against those who seem to have it all - the perfect job, the perfect relationship, the perfect life - we may start to feel inadequate and inferior. This can lead to a decrease in self-esteem as we internalize the belief that we are somehow deficient compared to those around us. On the other hand, if we compare ourselves to individuals who we perceive as less successful or accomplished, we may experience a temporary boost in self-esteem. We might feel better about ourselves in comparison to others who we believe are not doing as well. However, this boost is often short-lived and can lead to a cycle of seeking out others to compare ourselves to in order to maintain our sense of self-worth. In both scenarios, the act of comparing ourselves to others can have a lasting impact on our self-esteem. It can shape how we view ourselves, how we interact with others, and how we navigate the world around us. By becoming aware of the ways in which social comparisons influence our self-esteem, we can begin to take steps to cultivate a more positive and realistic sense of self. This involves recognizing our own unique strengths and weaknesses, practicing self-compassion, and focusing on personal growth rather than constantly measuring ourselves against others.
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