Lessons in Mental Resilience
In today’s digital age, social media platforms inundate users with curated snapshots of others’ lives—exotic vacations, professional milestones, and personal achievements. While these glimpses can inspire, they often lead to unfavorable social comparisons, fostering feelings of inadequacy and diminished well-being. Recent research suggests that individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may possess unique cognitive processing styles that render them less susceptible to such negative comparisons, offering valuable lessons in mental resilience.
A study published in August 2024 in the journal Social Cognition explored emotional responses to social comparisons among autistic and neurotypical individuals. Participants were presented with scenarios describing peers who were more affluent, romantically successful, and professionally accomplished. When asked to report feelings of envy, autistic participants indicated 24% less envy on average compared to their neurotypical counterparts.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
This diminished envy may be attributed to differences in social cognition. Autistic individuals often exhibit variations in social communication and may engage less in perspective-taking—the process of considering others’ mental states. Consequently, they might focus more on tangible details rather than abstract social evaluations, reducing the emotional impact of upward social comparisons.
Supporting this perspective, a 2014 study examined responses to social comparison using a monetary reward game. Neurotypical participants’ satisfaction levels were significantly influenced by the rewards of others, whereas autistic participants’ satisfaction remained relatively consistent, regardless of social comparison. This suggests that autistic individuals may derive contentment more from personal outcomes than from comparative evaluations.
These findings highlight potential strategies for mitigating the adverse effects of social media comparisons. By adopting a mindset that emphasizes personal growth and self-referential standards—akin to the cognitive processing observed in autistic individuals—people may enhance their mental resilience. Practices such as maintaining a gratitude journal or engaging in fulfilling hobbies can redirect focus from others’ achievements to one’s own well-being.
While social media can prompt detrimental comparisons, it also holds the potential to inspire self-improvement when approached with a constructive mindset. By learning from the autistic experience, individuals can cultivate resilience, focusing on personal development rather than external benchmarks.
-A Balanced Brain is a Better Brain for a Happier Life-