Social media has changed how we share our lives, friendships, and daily dilemmas. Although many benefits come with using such sites, there are also drawbacks. Such drawbacks include social media comparison, where we judge ourselves by what others present online.

The Anti-Social Dilemma of Social Media

Social media is designed to make friendships and relationships easier. To give you a one-place access for updates in your social circles and allow you to present yourself.

However, there’s a darker undercurrent of social media sites. An ironic anti-social complex has been built out of this new socialization measure.

Some research on how social media affects our minds, emotions, and relationships provides us with insights:

• A Pew Research survey found an increase in social anxiety and general anxiety in how users are perceived by those they’re presented to online.

• A 2016 review found people who compared themselves to others on social media saw an increase in depressive symptoms. These comparisons were usually related to beauty standards, self-image complications, and jealousy of those in higher social or financial standings. ¹

• A Brigham Young University study found that increased use of social media leads to a decrease in stable friendships and relationships. In terms of romantic partners, there’s usually an increase in trust and jealousy issues.

• Social media use alters the reward centers of our brains based on how we receive likes, tweets, and mentions. ²

Consequences of Social Media Comparison

While social media is a tool to help us stay connected, the research proclaims it can do more harm than good. So, what is this harm?

Social Rumination

More social media users report feeling depressed and anxious. These sensations have their own term: social media rumination. This is when you consistently use social media and fret over your performance and how others perceive you.

One of the most notable factors of social media rumination is the fear of missing out (FOMO). This is when you’re constantly checking up on social media and developing negative sensations in seeing others having positive experiences. Such behavior is most common in adolescents and young adults. ³

On top of social media rumination (and comparison), these practices may also lead to social media addiction. ⁴

Cyberbullying

As a type of trauma, bullying is nothing new to human behavior. Yet, its implications online are still something we’re only just getting a grasp on.

Social media makes cyberbullying easy. With the safety of being behind a cell phone or computer screen, anybody can comment without receiving physical backlash. And plenty do.

This has resulted in many facing issues with their self-image, whether it’s their looks, social standing, or overall online persona. In a poll by the National Institute of Cyberbullying, 38% of parents worried about their children’s social media use and 16% felt their child was too aggressive online. The poll also found:

• 38% of students have had at least one bullying episode in the last year. In 30% of those students, these episodes occurred more than once.

• More than 15% of students have admitted to being the culprits of cyberbullying.

It’s also been found that victims of cyberbullying are at a higher risk of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation. ⁵

Clearing the Comparison

Combatting social media comparison requires a few different strategies. These include:

Limit Social Media Use

This may seem simple but that’s because it is. Limiting or halting social media use can give you a much-needed detox.

When users limit or stop swiping through social media regularly, they report feelings of increased happiness. Some have also reported decreased levels of dread, anxiety, and depression. ⁶

Make Offline Friends

By befriending people offline (or, people who don’t use social media), you may gain a new perspective on how connections are made. These experiences can also be key in reducing anxiety or social awkwardness in face-to-face interactions.

Engage in an Offline Lifestyle or Hobby

Similarly to the above point, offline lifestyles and hobbies can help you reconnect with your environment. Some studies have found that such connections are crucial to your mental well-being. ⁷

Talk to Friends and Family

It’s important to talk to those in your life because you’ll find your social media comparisons are inadequate. In most instances, people only post the good moments of their life. By talking to people in person, you’ll find that we all have similar struggles that aren’t accurately articulated on social media.

Reaching Out for Help

If your social media comparison or struggles with cyberbullying are too intense, it’s vital to reach out for help. Many mental health professionals understand social media’s impact on your mental well-being and will provide measures to limit this impact.

If you or anyone you love struggles with suicidal ideation due to social media comparison, help is available. You can reach out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

References

¹ Seabrook EM, Kern ML, Rickard NS. Social Networking Sites, Depression, and Anxiety: A Systematic Review. JMIR Ment Health. 2016 Nov 23;3(4):e50. doi: 10.2196/mental.5842. PMID: 27881357; PMCID: PMC5143470.

² Sherman LE, Payton AA, Hernandez LM, Greenfield PM, Dapretto M. The Power of the Like in Adolescence: Effects of Peer Influence on Neural and Behavioral Responses to Social Media. Psychol Sci. 2016 Jul;27(7):1027-35. doi: 10.1177/0956797616645673. Epub 2016 May 31. PMID: 27247125; PMCID: PMC5387999.

³ Franchina V, Vanden Abeele M, van Rooij AJ, Lo Coco G, De Marez L. Fear of Missing Out as a Predictor of Problematic Social Media Use and Phubbing Behavior among Flemish Adolescents. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2018 Oct 22;15(10):2319. doi: 10.3390/ijerph15102319. PMID: 30360407; PMCID: PMC6211134.

⁴ Pellegrino A, Stasi A, Bhatiasevi V. Research trends in social media addiction and problematic social media use: A bibliometric analysis. Front Psychiatry. 2022 Nov 10;13:1017506. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.1017506. PMID: 36458122; PMCID: PMC9707397.

⁵ John A, Glendenning AC, Marchant A, Montgomery P, Stewart A, Wood S, Lloyd K, Hawton K. Self-Harm, Suicidal Behaviours, and Cyberbullying in Children and Young People: Systematic Review. J Med Internet Res. 2018 Apr 19;20(4):e129. doi: 10.2196/jmir.9044. PMID: 29674305; PMCID: PMC5934539.

⁶ Beyari H. The Relationship between Social Media and the Increase in Mental Health Problems. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2023 Jan 29;20(3):2383. doi: 10.3390/ijerph20032383. PMID: 36767749; PMCID: PMC9915628.

⁷ Pressman SD, Matthews KA, Cohen S, Martire LM, Scheier M, Baum A, Schulz R. Association of enjoyable leisure activities with psychological and physical well-being. Psychosom Med. 2009 Sep;71(7):725-32. doi: 10.1097/PSY.0b013e3181ad7978. Epub 2009 Jul 10. PMID: 19592515; PMCID: PMC2863117.