Opening social media often greets us with pictures of foreign trips, new home announcements, expensive cars, and seemingly perfect relationships. Seeing this, a persistent question often arises: Why isn't my life like this? If you experience this, it's not just about jealousy or low self-esteem. A specific psychological mechanism called social comparison is at work behind the scenes.
Psychologist Sangeeta Bansal explains that people rarely show their entire lives on social media. They typically share moments where life appears beautiful, successful, or joyful. Someone might post about a new home, but omit the stress of home loans or daily struggles. Similarly, vacation photos don't reflect the entirety of a person's routine reality. We frequently compare our complete, unfiltered lives to someone else's curated highlights.
Why Does the Brain Compare Us to Others?
The human brain naturally evaluates itself by looking at others to understand where we stand and what we should achieve. This comparison can sometimes motivate us. However, when we constantly measure ourselves against those whose lives appear superior in every aspect, it breeds dissatisfaction. For instance, constantly watching others travel, shop, or buy luxury goods can eventually make your normal routine feel dull.
Focusing More on Our Own Lacks
Bansal notes that repeatedly witnessing others' achievements shifts our focus toward what we lack. Someone else's large house makes ours feel small; a better job makes ours feel inadequate. The problem isn't that our life suddenly deteriorated; rather, constant exposure alters our perspective about our own existence.
How Social Media Magnifies Comparison
Traditionally, we compared ourselves only to a small circle around us. Today, social media exposes us to thousands of highlights daily. Constant exposure creates an illusion that everyone else is moving forward while we are lagging behind. It is crucial to remember that social media never portrays the full picture.
Not All Comparisons Are Bad
Comparison isn't always harmful. Being inspired by someone's success to set goals is positive. Problems arise when comparison constantly makes you feel inferior. Next time social media makes you feel small, remember you are only seeing a tiny fraction of someone else's journey.
'The Freelance' does not independently verify the claims made in viral social media trends or posts. This topic is widely discussed across various digital platforms. Video/Image Courtesy: Respective Social Media Handles / Creators.
