What are social comparisons? How does the reference group you use influence self-perceptions? Provide an example

What will be an ideal response?


Social comparisons occur when we use information from other individuals, groups, and media to determine what is valued and how we measure up to these values. A reference group is the group we choose to use for the comparison and can greatly influence how we see ourselves. If we choose a reference group that is similar to ourselves, we are likely to feel positively about ourselves and that we fit in. However, if we choose a group that we consider to be different and superior to ourselves, we are likely to feel negatively about ourselves.

For example, if we compare our income to that of our peers and others at similar job titles, we are likely to be satisfied with how much we make financially. However, if we compare ourselves to Bill Gates, Donald Trump, or Oprah Winfrey, we are likely to feel like we are not financially stable and far away from our earning potential.

Communication & Mass Media

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