7. Social Comparisons Flashcards
1
Q
What are the theories for social comparisons?
A
- we make social comparisons when objective standards are lacking
- we engage in social comparisons when there is uncertainty about abilities/performance
- relevance and similarity: compare ourselves to others in a dimension relevant to self or compare ourselves to similar others
2
Q
What is upward social comparison?
A
- involve comparisons to others who are better in a particular domain, skill etc
- can lead to inspiration and admiration on dimensions that are not self relevant or threatening to self evaluation
- can reduce our self esteem
3
Q
What is downward social comparison?
A
- involve comparisons to others who are doing worse in a particular domain, skill etc
- boost own self evaluations
- can lead to feelings of scorn
4
Q
How is self-knowledge used as a function of social comparison?
A
- reduce uncertainty about the self and to understand ourselves
- proxy model of social comparison
5
Q
How is self-enhancement used as a function of social comparison?
A
- downward social comparison to boost wellbeing and maintain positive sense of self
- particularly to those with low self esteem/are feeling threatened
6
Q
How is self-improvement used as a function of social comparison?
A
- upward social comparisons to learn new skills and improve performance
- making social comparisons to people who are doing better at particular skills: provides an example of what to aim for and is consistent with social learning theories
7
Q
How is social connections used as a function of social comparison?
A
- compare abilities and share experience
- support social coordination and build intimate connections
8
Q
How are social comparisons in the context of social media?
A
- media is highly conductive to social comparisons: encourages optimal images of ourselves
- frequent users often believe other people are happier and have better lives
- positive corelation
- more upward comparisons are made: lead to lower self esteem
