social comparison

stop scrolling and break free from social comparisons

It’s time to look up + be you.

Social comparisons may feel unavoidable. Every scroll invites us to measure our own lives against someone else’s highlight reel. When filters and manipulations replace reality, it’s easy to feel like we’ve fallen behind. And those feelings can do a number on mental health. 

The SMART Social Project helps families, educators and individuals build healthy screen habits, reduce the impact of social media addiction and reconnect with what’s real. It’s not just a digital detox—it’s a reset for your self-worth and a better way to build digital literacy.

Your worth has nothing to do with their likes. It shows up in the way you live, connect, and show up in the world.

Take the Presence Pledge

save the date

May 1 – 31

Rotating locations

Join us for MORE TO THE STORY. Experience the "Power of the Purse" luncheon to learn more about The SMART Social Project in action and experience the interactive installation: Polaroids to Profile Pics: Social Comparison.

The installation visualizes the journey from digital free life to digital native generations and the impact of both on sense of self and identity formation.

View Event

the pain of social comparison is real

We know the posts are curated. We know the photos are edited. But that rarely stops the scroll, and the sting.

Comparing your life to what someone else projects as their own is a sure-fire way to tank your confidence. But it doesn’t have to be this way. We can break free from the burden of comparing ourselves to others, with a SMART approach to social media.

TRUTH: Social media and mental health are deeply connected. Often, comparison is the silent trigger.

HARDER TRUTH: Constant comparison can lead to poor self-esteem, anxiety, depression and a loss of real-life connection. It’s one of the most damaging screen time effects we face today.

SOLUTION: SMART Social helps you unplug, reset and rebuild confidence through tools that support mental clarity, emotional stability and digital literacy.

BOTTOM LINE: Look up. Log off. Be you.

why combatting social comparisons matters

Small moments of comparison can chip away at confidence if we let them.

Social comparison is sneaky. It shows up in how we feel about our bodies, our friendships, our success and even our worth. We may not be able to stop it entirely, but we can learn to spot it, challenge it and choose authenticity over illusion. Here’s how:

  • Notice when scrolling makes you feel worse.

  • Limit time on apps that trigger comparison.

  • Follow accounts that promote realness and all its imperfections.

  • Talk openly about what’s real versus what’s curated.

  • Practice gratitude for your own experiences.

The SMART Social Project helps you build stronger self-worth, resilient habits and better digital instincts

be you + be a confidence defender

Being a confidence defender means recognizing that social media and mental health are connected, and choosing to protect your peace.

CONFIDENCE DEFENDERS:

• Call out unrealistic standards online.

• Encourage real conversations.

• Set screen time boundaries.

• Model authenticity.

• Choose connection over comparison.

Take the Pledge

true confidence isn’t rooted in comparison 

fast facts

86% of Gen Z say social media had made them feel pressure to be perfect

— The Cybersmile Foundation

Dig Deeper: Read Real Research

community voices

  • "I've deleted social media apps off my phone. (But then I usually add them back after a certain amount of time.)"

    — Oshkosh parent

  • "I catch myself scrolling and thinking everyone else has it together. Then I remember, I don't post the messy stuff and most other people don't either. I am looking at the highlights or the "best of" moments. My kids need to hear that.”

    — Oshkosh parent

  • “I tell students: don’t compare your behind‑the‑scenes to someone else’s best take. Your learning curve is supposed to have curves.”

    — Oshkosh teacher

grow beyond comparisons

    • Talk about what’s real vs. what’s staged or curated

    • Encourage kids to follow uplifting, authentic accounts

    • Lead by example with your own screen habits

    • Pause before you compare

    • Unfollow accounts that make you feel less-than

    • Remember: Love over likes.

    • Encourage media literacy in classrooms

    • Address comparison in wellness programs

    • Support colleagues who set digital boundaries