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Social comparison theory is the idea that individuals learn about and assess themselves by comparison with other people. Social psychological research shows that individuals tend to lean more toward social comparisons in situations that are ambiguous.

This process was first discussed in the work of Leon Festinger. He suggested that this drive to learn about oneself, through comaparison did not always lead to a purely objective assessment of oneself. Rather individuals are motivated to view themselves and their abilities within a positive light.

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