How do I stop comparing myself to others on social media?

Social media comparison is like comparing your behind-the-scenes reality to everyone else's highlight reel, creating an unfair and painful standard that leaves you feeling inadequate. People typically share their best moments, achievements, and carefully curated images while keeping their struggles, failures, and mundane moments private. This creates a distorted view where everyone else's life seems perfect while yours feels lacking. The comparison trap is particularly cruel because it's often unconscious - you scroll through feeds and absorb these images without consciously processing that you're seeing a filtered version of reality. Your brain automatically compares your internal experience of doubt, struggle, and imperfection with others' external presentation of success and happiness. Remember that social media is essentially advertising - people are marketing their lives, not documenting them honestly. The person posting about their amazing vacation might be dealing with relationship problems, financial Psychological stress, or Major depressive disorder that they're not sharing. Instead of comparing, try to use social media more intentionally - unfollow accounts that consistently make you feel bad about yourself, and follow people who share authentic, realistic content. Practice gratitude for your own life and progress rather than focusing on what you lack. Consider taking regular breaks from social media to reconnect with your own values and goals. When you do use these platforms, try to engage genuinely rather than passively consuming content that triggers comparison.