Leading Cyberbullying and online safety charity Cybersmile has released its 2023 comparison report which explores the impact of social comparisons on Gen Z.
The report asked 1000 young people aged 16-24 in the UK a series of questions about social comparisons and they felt they impacted them. Particularly within their mental health, body image, eating habits, financials, relationships and how they use social media.
Regional data gathered as part of the study offers valuable insights and comparisons for major cities across the UK including Belfast, Birmingham, Brighton, Bristol, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Manchester, Newcastle, Norwich, Nottingham, Plymouth, Sheffield and Southampton.
The research was conducted by Censuswide across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland with 1,000 general respondents (aged 16-24) who are social media users between 23.05.2023 – 26.05.2023. Censuswide abide by and employ members of the Market Research Society which is based on the ESOMAR principles and are members of The British Polling Council.
It makes sobering and worrying reading. 89% of respondents said they feel unsatisfied with their life when comparing it to others on social media. While 92% of respondents said they experienced negative consequences as a result of comparing themselves to others online.
93% of respondents said they were likely to compare themselves to others on social media platforms, the comparison report also found that 28% of respondents said likes and shares on their social media posts made them feel validated.
The findings of this report show that while social media has many good benefits it also causes us to experience some terrifying negative responses from others and from how we view ourselves/
Holly H, one of Cybersmiles ambassador commented on the disheartening findings of the comparison survey “Social media is incredible at bringing people together, and giving the under-represented a voice and platform, but it can also be an incredibly fake, curated highlight reel of solely the best parts of our lives. and we often forget that! the ongoing research by cybersmile brings much needed attention to the challenges young people face in this digital first world. as this comparison culture 2023 report highlights, there’s more work to be done to ensure young people feel empowered, protected and supported online which i think starts with content creators taking accountability for promoting unattainable, false standards of perfection.”
Cybersmiles ongoing commitment to better understand the relationship between humans and technology is supported by an international advisory panel – a team of world-renowned experts in key areas including research, internet safety, mental health, wellbeing, equity, gaming, sports, parenting and youth development. The research they do like this comparison report are hugely important so that we as people can understand the impact being online can have and it impacts all aspects of our lives. and help us to move forward and to continue to strive for the internet to be a safe and welcoming space for all.
You can read more of the report here!