Social Media Comparisonitis: Is It Infecting Your Life?

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Social media – the double-edged scalpel that allows us to connect, share, and inspire, but also leaves us susceptible to "Comparisonitis."

What is “Comparisonitis”?

Noun. Comparisonitis. The compulsion to compare one's accomplishments to another's to determine relative importance, etc.

Ever catch yourself sizing up your life against the curated snapshots on social media? We've all been there. In fact, research reveals that an overwhelming 93% of us have fallen into the comparison trap, especially on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Those fleeting moments in someone else's day can leave us with a sense of doubt and confusion in our lives. Yet, Comparisonitis isn't a new concept. It's a contemporary manifestation of the Social Comparison Theory, conceived by Leon Festinger in the 1950s. Festinger proposed that our self-worth is often gauged by comparing our achievements with others, which can actually be used to motivate us to achieve more and adopt productive strategies. However, he also observed that this practice can lead to profound dissatisfaction, psychological stress, and even burnout.

Fast-forward to today's interconnected digital world, and we have greater accessibility to the inner workings of other people's lives than ever before. It's no wonder 'comparisonitis' has been deemed a silent epidemic.

How can we overcome “Comparisonitis”? 

Here's a challenge to flip the script. The next time you're tempted to compare, let's hit the pause button. Studies indicate by taking a simple pause can lower cortisol levels, a hormone associated with stress. Take a moment to regain control.

Give yourself a hug. Therapists suggest that for survival, we need at least four hugs a day, but for maintenance, aim for eight hugs a day – so take this opportunity to get one in. 

Research reveals that social media, with all its glam, is intentionally designed to be as addictive as gambling. Nancy Deangelis, CRNP, Director of Behavioral Health, Jefferson Health-Abington, says, “Social media platforms drive surges of dopamine to the brain to keep consumers coming back over and over again. The shares, likes, and comments on these platforms trigger the brain’s reward center, resulting in a high similar to the one people feel when gambling or using drugs.” Source: Social Comparison on Social Media

The addictive nature of social media platforms is engineered to draw you in and retain your attention. It's essential to recognize that constantly comparing ourselves to others in this environment is not your fault. These platforms prioritize engagement over your mental well-being, and they are designed to do so.

The Two Sides of Comparisonitis

It's important to note that comparison isn't inherently bad. Sometimes, it can serve as a motivator, inspiring us to reach for our goals and pushing us to improve ourselves. The key is in recognising when comparison is constructive and when it becomes a harmful habit.

Let's shift the spotlight back to our own narratives, our individual paths. As we celebrate YOU today, remember that while comparison can occasionally be a source of motivation, it's essential to prioritise your own story and the incredible accomplishments that make you one of a kind.

In this 1 min video, you'll hear from Katie, who shares how she successfully moved past social media Comparisonitis. She emphasizes the journey of embracing her uniqueness and redirecting her focus from others' lives to her own. Here at LiVELY we want to start a new trend, where people share their personal stories, insights, and tips on how they reclaimed their focus from others' lives to their own. It's an inspiring story that reminds us that life is too precious to be spent in the shadow of someone else's highlight reel.

Comparisonitis is an epidemic that many face in the digital age. It's a complex issue that can both hinder and motivate us. By embracing the LiVELY app's approach to a more mindful and lively life, we can break free from the negative aspects of comparison. After all, life is meant to be lived, not just compared.