Author:
• Tim McGuinness, Ph.D., DFin, MCPO, MAnth – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
Originally Published: 2023 – Article Updated: 2024
Article Abstract
Social comparison bias, inherent in human nature, drives individuals to evaluate themselves relative to others, influencing perceptions of superiority or inferiority.
Scam victims, grappling with emotional turmoil, often compare their suffering to others’, intensifying distress. Upward comparisons breed resentment and self-doubt, while downward comparisons reinforce victimhood.
Factors like social media worsen these distortions, heightening victims’ isolation. Recognizing this bias is very important for victims to rebuild resilience and seek support tailored to their needs.
By focusing on their unique journey and offering empathy, victims can mitigate the harmful effects of social comparison bias, fostering healing and growth amidst adversity.
Social Comparison Bias – Creating Unrealistic Expectations and Stalling Scam Victim Recovery
Social comparison bias refers to the tendency for individuals to evaluate themselves and their circumstances by comparing them to those of others. This comparison can lead to either upward or downward (superiority or inferiority) social comparisons, where individuals assess themselves as either better off or worse off than others in various aspects of life. In the context of scam victims comparing their suffering or victimization to others, social comparison bias can play a significant role in stopping their recovery (getting stuck in the comparisons), or other harmful effects.
Scam victims can engage in social comparison as they seek to make sense of their experience and cope with the emotional aftermath of the scam. However, these comparisons can bring many challenges and may increase feelings of distress and inadequacy.
For instance, victims may engage in upward social comparisons, perceiving others as having suffered less or recovered more successfully from similar scams. This can lead to feelings of resentment, envy, self-doubt, and diminished self-worth as victims perceive themselves as falling short in comparison.
Conversely, victims may also engage in downward social comparisons, where they perceive themselves as having suffered more or experienced greater victimization than others. While this may temporarily alleviate feelings of inadequacy, it can also reinforce a sense of victimhood and perpetuate negative emotions such as resentment and bitterness towards others who appear to have been less affected.
Social comparison bias can be made worse by factors such as social media, other victims, family and friends, and society as a whole which tends to tell victims how they should react and behave, leading to distorted perceptions of reality. Scam victims may be particularly susceptible to these distortions, further intensifying their feelings of distress and isolation.
It’s important to recognize that social comparison bias is a natural cognitive process that occurs across various contexts and affects individuals differently. For scam victims, becoming aware of this bias and its impact on their emotions and perceptions can be an important step in rebuilding resilience and facilitating recovery. Scam victims need to focus on their own unique journey, validate their emotions, and seek support from others who can provide honest assessments, empathy, and understanding. Individuals can mitigate the negative effects of social comparison bias and promote healing and growth by staying focused on their own recovery journey and helping to support others.
About Cognitive Biases
This article is part of SCARS continuing commitment to helping the victims of scams (financial fraud) to better understand the psychology of scams. In other words, why are victims vulnerable and how do Cognitive Biases relate to that?
How Do Cognitive Biases Make People Vulnerable To Scams, Fraud, and Deception
How do cognitive biases play a role in making people vulnerable and susceptible to scams, fraud, and deception?
Cognitive biases are mental shortcuts that allow people to make quick decisions and judgments based on their past experiences and memories. These biases can be helpful in many situations, as they allow people to process large amounts of information quickly and efficiently. However, they can also make people vulnerable to scams, fraud, and deception.
One reason why cognitive biases make people vulnerable to scams is that they can lead people to make judgments that are not based on evidence or logical reasoning. For example, Confirmation Bias (a major bias that makes people vulnerable) is the tendency to seek out and interpret information that supports one’s preexisting beliefs, while ignoring or dismissing information that contradicts them. This can make people more susceptible to scams that appeal to their beliefs or biases, as they are more likely to believe the scammer’s claims without critically evaluating the evidence.
There are several ways that people can protect themselves from scams, fraud, and deception. One way is to be aware of common cognitive biases and how they can affect decision-making. This can help people to be more mindful of their thought processes and to question their own judgments.
Another way to protect oneself is to be skeptical of claims and offers that seem too good to be true. It is important to carefully evaluate the evidence and to ask questions before making a decision. This can help people to avoid falling for scams that rely on emotional appeals or incomplete information.
It can also be helpful to seek out additional sources of information and to consult with trusted friends, family members, or professionals before making a decision. This can provide a more balanced perspective and help to identify any potential red flags. But if you do not understand your Cognitive Biases then you will not even see the red flags!
Overall, cognitive biases can make people vulnerable to scams, fraud, and deception by leading them to make judgments that are not based on evidence or logical reasoning, and by causing them to make irrational or risky decisions. However, by being aware of these biases and taking steps to protect oneself, people can reduce their risk of falling victim to these types of scams.
Summary
Cognitive biases do make people more vulnerable to scams, fraud, and deception by causing them to ignore warning signs, pay more attention to information that supports their preexisting beliefs, rely on incomplete information, and anchor their decisions to easy and often incorrect information.
By being aware of these biases and making an effort to overcome them, people can be better equipped to avoid falling victim to scams and other forms of deception.
More About Cognitive Biases & Vulnerabilities
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A Question of Trust
At the SCARS Institute, we invite you to do your own research on the topics we speak about and publish, Our team investigates the subject being discussed, especially when it comes to understanding the scam victims-survivors experience. You can do Google searches but in many cases, you will have to wade through scientific papers and studies. However, remember that biases and perspectives matter and influence the outcome. Regardless, we encourage you to explore these topics as thoroughly as you can for your own awareness.
Statement About Victim Blaming
Some of our articles discuss various aspects of victims. This is both about better understanding victims (the science of victimology) and their behaviors and psychology. This helps us to educate victims/survivors about why these crimes happened and to not blame themselves, better develop recovery programs, and to help victims avoid scams in the future. At times this may sound like blaming the victim, but it does not blame scam victims, we are simply explaining the hows and whys of the experience victims have.
These articles, about the Psychology of Scams or Victim Psychology – meaning that all humans have psychological or cognitive characteristics in common that can either be exploited or work against us – help us all to understand the unique challenges victims face before, during, and after scams, fraud, or cybercrimes. These sometimes talk about some of the vulnerabilities the scammers exploit. Victims rarely have control of them or are even aware of them, until something like a scam happens and then they can learn how their mind works and how to overcome these mechanisms.
Articles like these help victims and others understand these processes and how to help prevent them from being exploited again or to help them recover more easily by understanding their post-scam behaviors. Learn more about the Psychology of Scams at www.ScamPsychology.org
Psychology Disclaimer:
All articles about psychology and the human brain on this website are for information & education only
The information provided in this article is intended for educational and self-help purposes only and should not be construed as a substitute for professional therapy or counseling.
While any self-help techniques outlined herein may be beneficial for scam victims seeking to recover from their experience and move towards recovery, it is important to consult with a qualified mental health professional before initiating any course of action. Each individual’s experience and needs are unique, and what works for one person may not be suitable for another.
Additionally, any approach may not be appropriate for individuals with certain pre-existing mental health conditions or trauma histories. It is advisable to seek guidance from a licensed therapist or counselor who can provide personalized support, guidance, and treatment tailored to your specific needs.
If you are experiencing significant distress or emotional difficulties related to a scam or other traumatic event, please consult your doctor or mental health provider for appropriate care and support.
Also read our SCARS Institute Statement about Professional Care for Scam Victims – click here to go to our ScamsNOW.com website.
If you are in crisis, feeling desperate, or in despair please call 988 or your local crisis hotline.
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