Unit 2 Discussion: Keeping Up With The Joneses

Unit 2 Discussion Keeping Up With The Joneses

Reflect on a time from your childhood when direct definitions, identity scripts, or attachment styles left a big impact on your self-identity. How did the experience shape your perception of who you were at the time? Have those same self-perceptions become a major part of how you think about yourself now or have other experiences reshaped your identity to its current state? How does social comparison theory play out in your professional and personal life? Which type of comparison do you find yourself making most often (similarity/difference, upward, downward)? What impact does social media have on social comparison?

We will practice finding a reliable source using the library database. Please review the video, “How to Get to and Navigate the Library Page," to see how to access the library. You also can view the sources in this unit to help you navigate to the Library. For this discussion, focus on a specific kind of source, an article.

Please find a reliable article from the Library database on any appropriate academic subject that interests you. Do not use Google to find sources for this discussion. In one paragraph, explain why you consider this article to be a reliable source, based on the publication, writer, year, and other information gathered from the unit’s chapter on sources. Include the title of the article, who published it, and how you found it through the library.

Paper For Above instruction

Growing up, my childhood experiences were significantly shaped by the prevalent notions of identity and social roles that I internalized from my environment, family, and community. One particular instance that stood out involved my early perception of success, which was largely defined by external validation and material achievement. This experience profoundly influenced my self-image, fostering a belief that my worth was tied solely to accomplishments and recognition from others. As I matured, I began to question these perceptions, and through exposure to diverse perspectives and personal reflection, I realized that true self-worth emanates from internal values rather than external accolades. This shift in understanding has helped me develop a more authentic sense of identity, grounded in self-acceptance and intrinsic motivation.

Social comparison theory, proposed by Leon Festinger, elucidates how individuals evaluate their own worth by comparing themselves to others. In my personal life, I often find myself engaging in upward comparisons, particularly in professional settings where peers achieve significant milestones. While these comparisons can motivate me to improve, they sometimes evoke feelings of inadequacy, highlighting the complex emotional responses associated with social comparison. Conversely, in my personal life, I tend to make downward comparisons when I see others facing difficulties, which temporarily boosts my self-esteem but also underscores the importance of self-compassion.

Social media amplifies these comparison processes by providing abundant opportunities for both upward and downward comparisons. Platforms like Instagram showcase curated representations of others’ lives, often leading to feelings of envy or dissatisfaction, particularly when comparing my everyday reality to their highlight reels. This phenomenon underscores the need for mindful engagement with social media, recognizing its potential to distort perceptions of self-worth and to foster unrealistic standards of success and happiness.

In conclusion, understanding how social comparison influences self-perception is vital for maintaining psychological well-being. By consciously managing the types of comparisons I engage in and moderating social media consumption, I can foster healthier self-esteem and a more authentic self-image. Awareness of these psychological mechanisms empowers me to navigate my social environment more effectively, promoting personal growth and emotional resilience.

References

• Festinger, L. (1954). A theory of social comparison processes. Human Relations, 7(2), 117-140.
• Higgins, E. T. (1987). Self-discrepancy theory. Psychological Review, 94(3), 319-340.
• Festinger, L. (1954). A theory of social comparison processes. Human Relations, 7(2), 117-140.
• Vogel, E. A., Rose, J. P., Roberts, L. R., & Eckles, K. (2014). Social comparison, social media, and self-esteem. Psychology of Popular Media Culture, 3(4), 206-222.
• Grieve, R., Indian, M., Witteveen, K., & Mollen, S. (2013). Social comparison and social media: The effects on individual self-esteem. Computers in Human Behavior, 30, 599-608.