Social comparison is a psychological process where individuals evaluate their own abilities, achievements, or opinions by comparing themselves to others. This can occur in various contexts, such as in the workplace, social media, or among friends. People often look to others to gauge their own performance and self-worth, which can influence their feelings of satisfaction or inadequacy. There are two main types of social comparison: upward and downward. Upward comparison involves comparing oneself to those perceived as better, which can inspire motivation but may also lead to feelings of envy. Conversely, downward comparison involves comparing oneself to those perceived as worse off, which can boost self-esteem and provide a sense of relief.