How to Avoid Social Comparisons
Have you ever scrolled through social media and found yourself comparing your life to others’? Now more than ever, we have the opportunity to compare ourselves to others, with the rise of social media, internet, cell phones, technology, etc. You may even have professors who draw bell curves on the board showing where you stand compared to your fellow classmates.
Research shows the number one reason why people report being unhappy is because of social comparison. It can be hard to intentionally avoid comparing yourself to those around you but doing so can be important for your emotional well-being. In fact, research has shown a link between the amount of time a person spent on social media and depressive symptoms. Below find some helpful tips on how to avoid comparing yourself to others:
1. Limit amount of time you are on social media
Sometimes the best way to recharge is unplug. There have recently been numerous campaigns to help people unplug from technology for a day. Research has shown that cell phone owners check their phone an average of 150 times per day. Challenge yourself to put down your phone and disconnect from technology. While you are disconnected, try to reconnect with the outdoors, your hobbies, as well as your family and friends.
2. Practice self-compassion
Self-compassion is treating yourself like you would treat your best friend. Talk to yourself the way you would talk to someone you care about; replace self-critical thoughts with compassionate thoughts. Learn more about how to be kind to yourself here Links to an external site..
3. Practice a growth mindset
Stanford psychologist Carolyn Dweck proposes that there are two attitudes towards failure – fixed mindset and growth mindset. Fixed mindset is the belief that intelligence and personal character are static, and growth mindset is the belief that these things can be developed. It is important to cultivate a growth mindset because this view creates a love of learning and a resilience that is important for success. Learn more about growth mindset here Links to an external site..
4. Practice gratitude
One simple way to practice gratitude is by writing down 3 things you're grateful for every day. Remembering to find things, experiences and people in your life that you're grateful for can have powerful effects on your mood. Download our gratitude journal here Links to an external site. to start practicing gratitude.
Looking for additional information about how to avoid social comparisons? Check out the resources below:
- Join our discussion post here to learn reasons why your fellow Longhorns think it's important to unplug
- Article about the link between the amount of time spent online & depressive symptoms
Nesi, J., & Prinstein, M. J. (2015). Using social media for social comparison and feedback-seeking: Gender and popularity moderate associations with depressive symptoms. Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, 43(8), 1427-1438. doi:10.1007/s10802-015-0020-0
- Ted Talk on the Culture of Comparison