Comparison Culture 2023 is a national UK study exploring social comparisons among social media users, and the profound impact that they have on Gen Z. The study asked 1000 participants aged 16-24 across the UK a series of questions relating to social media comparisons and the impact that they have on their wellbeing. Important topics including mental health, body image, eating habits, relationships, finances, social media and others were explored as part of the research project.
How often do you engage in online comparisons with others?
89% of respondents engaged in online comparisons with others online.
In what areas of life do you feel the most pressure to compare yourself to others when online?
44% of respondents felt the most pressure with their body image when comparing themselves to others online.
How do you typically feel after comparing yourself to others online?
36% of respondents felt jealous when comparing themselves to others online.
What forms of media contribute to you comparing yourself to others?
77% of respondents felt social media impacts the way they compare themselves to others.
Which negative consequences have you experienced as a result of comparing yourself to others online?
50% of respondents experienced low-self esteem as a result of comparing themselves to others online.
How often, if ever, has any content on social media made you feel pressured to be perfect?
43% of respondents said content on social media made them feel pressured to be perfect at least once a day.
How often, if ever, have you felt unsatisfied with your life when comparing it to others on social media?
89% of respondents said they felt unsatisfied with their life when comparing it to others on social media .
How do you feel about other social media users who appear to be happy, wealthy, successful, fit, or beautiful?
32% of respondents felt jealous when other social media users appeared to be happy, wealthy, successful, fit or beautiful.
Which parts of your body has social media made you want to permanently change through surgery?
22% of respondents said that social media made them want to change their nose through surgery.
How do likes and shares on your social media posts make you feel?
28% of respondents said likes and shares on their social media posts made them feel validated.
Which social platform, if any, are you most likely to compare yourself to others on?
41% of respondents said they were most likely to compare themselves to others on Instagram.
“Cybersmile's Comparison Culture 2023 highlights the profound impact social media can have on how young people view themselves. More needs to be done to educate people, especially those who are still forming their self-identity.”
Cybersmile Advisory Panel
Overview
Key Takeaways
- 93% felt pressure to compare themselves to others online
- 93% experienced negative consequences as a result of comparing themselves to others online
- 89% felt unsatisfied with their life when comparing it to others on social media
- 74% said social media had made them want to permanently change their body through surgery
- 59% engaged in daily social comparisons online
- 50% experienced low self-esteem as a result of comparing themselves to others online
- 14% experienced suicidal thoughts as a result of comparing themselves to others online
Method
The research was conducted by Censuswide on behalf of Cybersmile across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland with 1,000 general respondents (aged 16–24) who were social media users between 23.05.2023 and 26.05.2023. Censuswide abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society, which is based on the ESOMAR principles, and is a member of The British Polling Council.
Citation
The Cybersmile Foundation (2023). Comparison Culture Report (2023): A national UK study of comparison culture and its profound impact on Gen Z social media users.