The link between Social Anxiety and comparisons with others

We live in an increasingly connected and socialized society, and this in turn creates more challenges for our mental health and our social adjustment. Social anxiety is a great challenge for many people around the world; is a psychological disorder characterized by an intense and persistent fear of social situations. People who experience it may feel an overwhelming worry that they will be negatively evaluated, ridiculed, or ridiculed.

All of us have been able to experience that tingling or nervousness at some point in our lives. in the stomach before a public presentation or worry about being judged in a situation social. However, for people suffering from social anxiety, these everyday situations can turn into a crippling, emotional nightmare. This can lead them to avoid social interactions, affecting their quality of life and their personal relationships.

Although there are many determining factors in the development of social anxiety, one factor identified as relevant to this disorder is the human tendency to compare ourselves with other people constantly. Social comparisons are a natural part of being human and of the socialization processes, but in certain circumstances they can have a significant impact on our mental health.

In this article, we're going to explore the ways in which social anxiety and comparisons with others are intricately linked. We will explore how comparisons intensify social anxiety and how this, in turn, can enhance the tendency to compare ourselves. These two factors have a bidirectional and significant interaction. We will also examine the impact this has on people's mental health and general well-being.

What is social anxiety?

Social anxiety is an anxiety disorder that manifests itself in social or performance situations, generating an intense and persistent fear of being judged, humiliated, or embarrassed by others. Unlike shyness, which can fade over time, social anxiety is more intense and persistent, significantly affecting the daily lives of those who experience it.

1. Overwhelmed by social situations

People with social anxiety may feel overwhelmed by a variety of social situations, such as public speaking, participating in meetings, attending parties or even having conversations informal. These everyday events can trigger physical and emotional symptomssuch as excessive sweating, palpitations, tremors, dry mouth, negative thoughts, and an overwhelming feeling of discomfort.

• Related article: "Social phobia: what is it and how to overcome it?"

2. avoidant behavior

It's important to understand that social anxiety is not simply a preference for solitude or introversion. People with it crave meaningful social connections and relationships, but their fear of rejection and negative evaluation leads them to avoid situations they consider threatening. This avoidant behavior can further isolate us and perpetuate the cycle of anxiety..

3. Triggers and maintainers

The origin of social anxiety can have multiple factors, such as genetics, upbringing and traumatic experiences. Often, insecurity about oneself and a negative perception of one's own social skills play a fundamental role in their development. Additionally, people who have faced rejection or ridicule in the past may be more likely to develop social anxiety in the future.

In today's society, where social interactions are becoming more frequent and public due to social media and other digital platforms, social anxiety can be intensified. The pressure to maintain an idealized image and constant comparison with others can increase the fear of being judged and rejected.

• You may be interested in: "Do you really know what self-esteem is?"

Understanding social comparisons

Social comparisons are an inherent part of the human experience. From an early age, human beings tend to compare themselves with others in different aspects of life.such as physical appearance, academic achievement, social status, personal relationships, and even material possessions. This comparative tendency has been studied by psychologists and sociologists, who have shown that it is a common feature in all cultures and societies.

1. Social networks and hyperconnectivity

In today's age of social networking and hyper-connectivity, social comparisons have taken on a new dimension. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter give us the opportunity to constantly see the lives and achievements of others. We often find ourselves comparing ourselves to the seemingly perfect lives presented online, which can affect our perception of ourselves and lead to feelings of inadequacy.

2. We ignore our worth

The problem with social comparisons is that we often compare ourselves to what we perceive to be the best in others while ignoring our own strengths and achievements. It is a dangerous trap, since each individual has his or her own history and path, and comparing oneself with others others can lead to a distorted perception of reality and negatively affect our self-esteem.

• Related article: "Albert Bandura's Self-efficacy: do you believe in yourself?"

3. constant rivalry

Additionally, social comparisons can become a source of rivalry and unhealthy competition. When we constantly compare ourselves to others, our self-worth is tied to our perceptions of how we compare to others. This can lead to a feeling of insecurity and constant anxiety, especially when we feel that we are not up to the imposed standards.

4. They are not always toxic

It is important to note that not all social comparisons are negative. In certain contexts, comparisons can be a source of motivation and personal growth. Seeing someone who has achieved a desired goal can inspire us and encourage us to pursue our own dreams. However, it is vital to recognize when these comparisons become toxic and detrimental to our mental health.

The link between social anxiety and comparisons

The relationship between social anxiety and comparisons with others is a growing area of ​​interest in psychological research. Although both are separate experiences, they have been shown to be intricately related and can influence each other.

To address this link between social anxiety and comparisons with others, fostering self-acceptance and self-care is essential. Learning to value our own strengths and achievements, instead of constantly measuring ourselves against others, helps us develop a more realistic perception of ourselves and build self-esteem healthy. It's also helpful to learn how to set healthy boundaries with social media and exposure to idealized images to avoid falling into the trap of constantly comparing ourselves.

1. Influence of social anxiety on comparisons

When people with social anxiety compare themselves to others, they tend to focus on characteristics or skills that they perceive to be lacking in themselves. For example, they may feel inadequate in terms of physical appearance, social skills, academic achievement, or employment status. This negative comparison can intensify your social anxiety by increasing your fear of rejection and worry about negative evaluation by others.

It is important to note that social comparisons can lead people with social anxiety to develop an "all or nothing" mentality. They tend to view others as superior in all respects, while underestimating their own strengths and achievements. This cognitive distortion can fuel their fear of being judged and rejected, contributing to a cycle of anxiety and social avoidance.

2. Influence of comparisons on social anxiety

On the other hand, people who constantly compare themselves to others may be more likely to develop social anxiety in the future. Constant exposure to images and messages that promote unattainable ideals can increase the feelings of inadequacy and creating a feeling that we will never be good enough. This can lead to a negative self-perception and increased anxiety in social situations.

In addition, social comparisons can also affect our expectations about how we should behave or how successful we should be in different social situations. These unrealistic expectations can add to the pressure on ourselves, which contributes to social anxiety when we feel like we don't meet those standards.

Coping with social anxiety and social comparisons in a healthy way

To conclude this article, we propose some recommendations and tips to deal with social anxiety and comparisons with other people in a healthy way to build a solid and resistant self-esteem change.

1. Seek professional support

Cognitive behavioral therapy can be highly effective in treating social anxiety and helping people change negative thoughts and avoidant behaviors. A mental health professional can provide tools and techniques for coping with anxiety and developing a more realistic perspective about themselves and others.

2. practice self reflection

Taking time to reflect on our own strengths and achievements can counter the tendency to compare ourselves negatively with others. Learning to value who we are and what we have achieved, without comparing ourselves to others, can improve our self-esteem and general well-being.

3. Limit exposure to social media

Reducing the time spent comparing ourselves to others on social media can be beneficial to our mental health. Remembering that the images and messages we see online do not reflect the full reality of someone's life can help us maintain a healthier perspective.

4. Foster empathy and compassion

Practicing empathy towards others and towards ourselves can help us to avoid negative judgments and build more meaningful relationships. Recognizing that we all face struggles and challenges in life can contribute to a culture of understanding and mutual support.