Social Comparison Theory

Social Comparison Theory suggests that we evaluate our own abilities and opinions by comparing ourselves to others. This often occurs when we're uncertain about ourselves. For instance, if you want to assess your general knowledge, you might compare your knowledge of current events to that of friends or colleagues. These comparisons can influence self-esteem and perceptions of competence, leading to feelings of satisfaction or inadequacy. Essentially, it highlights how our self-image can be shaped by our social surroundings and the people we associate with.