Outshined | SoundHeal

Outshined refers to the experience of being overshadowed or eclipsed by someone or something else, often in a way that diminishes one's own accomplishments or recognition. This phenomenon can occur in various contexts, including personal relationships, professional settings, and social media. According to a study by psychologist Dr. Jean Twenge, published in 2017, the rise of social media has contributed to increased feelings of inadequacy and being outshined, with 60% of millennials reporting feelings of inadequacy due to social media comparisons. The concept of outshining has been explored by thinkers such as sociologist Émile Durkheim, who wrote about the effects of social comparison on individual self-esteem in his 1893 book 'The Division of Labor in Society'. The outshined phenomenon has significant implications for mental health, with research suggesting that it can lead to decreased self-esteem, anxiety, and depression. As social media continues to shape our perceptions of self and others, the experience of being outshined is likely to remain a pressing concern, with many experts, including psychologist Dr. Brené Brown, advocating for a more nuanced understanding of the impact of social comparison on our well-being.