How do social media platforms contribute to social comparison among teens?

Social media platforms contribute to social comparison among teens by providing a constant stream of content for comparison, such as images and updates that highlight success, beauty, and perceived happiness. This exposure can make teens feel inadequate when their own lives or appearances don’t match up to those they see online. The curated nature of social media content means teens are comparing their everyday lives to idealised representations, exacerbating feelings of low self-esteem.