When comparison motivates, and when it hurts
Core finding
In a Verasight survey of 1,000 U.S. adults conducted May 1 to 4, 2026, 36% of Americans said comparing themselves to people doing better leaves them inspired, happy, or confident afterward.
A similar 33% said that same upward comparison leaves them disappointed, anxious, or frustrated. Smaller shares described reactions to comparing themselves with people doing worse.
Topline distribution
36% said upward comparison leaves them inspired, happy, or confident.
When comparing yourself to others, which of the following happens for you most often? Some of the response options seem similar, but that is on purpose. Please read carefully.
n = 1,000 · May 1–4, 2026 · MoE ±3.3%
Methodology
Full methodology →| Mode | Verasight panel recruited via random address-based sampling, random person-to-person text messaging, and dynamic online targeting |
|---|---|
| Population | US adults age 18+ |
| Field dates | May 1–4, 2026 |
| Base (unweighted) | 1,000 |
| Margin of error | ±3.3% |
| Module | 2 |
| Sponsor | Verasight |
| Weight variable | weight |
| Weighting targets | age, race/ethnicity, sex, income, education, region, metropolitan status |
Sources
- reports.verasight.io/r/sbm-2026
Please read carefully.
Cite this question
SBM Omnibus Survey #2026-049, fielded May 1-4, 2026, N=1,000 US adults age 18+, +/- 3.3%.