Social comparison theory

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Social comparison theory, initially proposed by social psychologist Leon Festinger in 1954,^[1] centers on the belief that individuals drive to gain accurate self-evaluations. The theory explains how individuals evaluate their opinions and abilities by comparing themselves to others to reduce uncertainty in these domains and learn how to define the self. Comparing oneself to others socially is a form of measurement and self-assessment to identify where an individual stands according to their own set of standards and emotions about themselves.^[2]

Following the initial theory, research began to focus on social comparison as a way of self-enhancement,^[3] introducing the concepts of downward^[4] and upward comparisons and expanding the motivations of social comparisons.^[5] Social comparison can be traced back to the pivotal paper by Herbert Hyman, back in 1942. Hyman revealed the assessment of one's own status is dependent on the group with whom one compares oneself.^[6] The social comparison theory is the belief that media influence, social status, and other forms of competitiveness can affect our self-esteem and mood. This can affect individuals' outlook on themselves and how they fit in with others.