Social comparisons Flashcards
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What is social comparison theory 1?
Leon Festinger - Make social comparisons when objective standards of comparison are lacking, Due to the need to accurately self-evaluate and reduce uncertainty.
What is social comparison theory 2?
There are 2 important questions
When do we engage in social comparison (when there is no objective standard or when there is uncertainty about ourselves)
With whom do we choose to compare ourselves (similar others when we wish to have an accurate image of ourselves
What kind of social comparisons do people like to make?
Upward and downward social comparisons
What is an upward social comparison?
Self improvement, provide hope and inspiration, otherwise highlight our deficits and make us feel inadequate
What are downward social comparisons?
Can be used to enhance and protect well-being, self-doubt, insecurity, or feeling threatened.
What are the four functions of social comparisons?
Self knowledge, self-enhancement, self improvement, social connection
What is the self-knoweldge function?
To reduce uncertainty about the self and to understand ourself
Proxy model of social comparison - we will compare ourselves to a proxy if they have performed similarly to us on a task in the past, an the proxy is known to have put in maximal effort on the task
What is the self-enhancement function?
Downward social comparisons to boost wellbeing and maintain positive sense of self. Particularly for people who have low self esteem and are feeling threatened
What is the self-improvement function?
Upward social comparisions to learn new skills and improve performance. Provides an example of what to aim for.
What is the social connections comparison
Opportunity for social connections. Support social coordintion and building intimate connections with others.
What is assimilation?
Similarity or psychological closeness to the comparison target
What is contrast
Dissimilarity or psychological istance to the comparison target
Brown et al’s study on assimilation and contrast
- Independent variable - similar or dissimilar condition (Sharing a birthday or similar attitudes)
- Social comparison targets; photos of attractive vs unattractive target
Dependent variable; rating of own attractiveness before and after comparison
Dissimilar condition - evidence of contrast; higher attractiveness ratings when compared to unattractive target
Reversed in the similar condition - evidence of assimilation; higher attractiveness ratings when compared to attractive target, but not statistically significant.
Explain social comparisons in the context of social media
Social media can be highly conducive to social comparisons. Frequent users of social media believe that other people are happier and have better lives
