How Social Media Leads To Social Comparison, Low Self-Esteem, and Social Anxiety

Social media has become such a huge part of our lives that it has influenced the way we think, speak and act. It has given us a platform to connect with people around the world while also providing us with entertainment and information. However, this can sometimes be overwhelming for many teenagers who often feel as if their lives have been completely consumed by social media and all its potential.

As social media platforms are becoming more interactive and addictive, users have been comparing themselves with other people more than ever before. This practice of self-comparison can be detrimental to teenagers.

With the amount of perceived pressure in teenagers' life to look perfect in every possible way just like their favorite influencer, and fit perfectly into what everyone sees on Instagram or SnapChat or TikTok, they are struggling with depression and other mental health issues: anxiety, poor self-esteem, poor body image, and disordered eating.

In fact, some recent studies reported that teenagers who spend too much time on social media are more likely to feel alone, lack close friends, and get less sleep each night. This can result in increased levels of anxiety, insecurity, stress, and unhappiness which affects their overall development.

How can unreal social comparisons be harmful?

Several factors can impact your mental health when you have negative social comparisons or fear of missing out (FOMO), a belief that someone else is having a better time or is more successful than you (based only on what you can see of their online lives).

• Increased depression in adolescents: Feeling envious of what others post on social media might worsen feelings of loneliness.

• Decreased overall well-being: Social media users (who spend more than two to five hours per day) have a lower sense of self, and higher risk of depression and anxiety.

• Poor body image: A major contributor to self-esteem, especially in adolescents, social media comparisons are a common phenomenon for both men and women. Both are susceptible to low self-esteem and poor body image.

• Eating disorders: A greater amount of time spent on social media can also contribute to disordered eating habits in an attempt to “fit in” with the online beauty standards.

Tips on How to stop socially comparing yourself to others online

• Know your triggers, and notice what posts make you feel bad about yourself and cause you to start comparing yourself to others. Unfollow those people or handles.

• Don't compare the outside of someone with the inside of you: It's not real. Most of the online posts are designed for attention and are not necessarily real life.

• Be grateful and acknowledge what you already have, even if it is small.

• Limit Device Dependency & Social media use: If you do go online, you should have a clear understanding of why you are using it as well as how long you plan to stay.

• Rather than following people or viewing posts that leave you feeling negative about yourself or others, try keeping an eye out for positive posts that inspire you.