The Looking-Glass Self-Theory

Communication Theory
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Communication Theories
The looking-glass self-theory
The looking-glass self-theory states that self-esteem and behavior are products of our beliefs on how others perceive us. According to Cooley, the central tenets of this theory revolve around social interaction. People use social interaction to mirror their behavior, value, and sense of worth CITATION Les21 \l 1033 (Lesley University). Although our self-image is autonomous, it is not built within a large social setting in this light of approach. The looking glass self-theory morphs into three key steps. Firstly the individual paints an image of themselves to others. Secondly, they visualize people's perceptions of that image. Lastly, the individual acquires feelings about the image and reacts to other people's opinions. For example, the movie "Stand by me" depicts the extensive authentic nature of how childhood experiences shape their beliefs about themselves.
Social comparison theory
Social comparison theory is the process wherein people create their autonomous sense of personal and social worth based on their interactions and relationships. Conceptualized by Psychologist Leon Festinger, This theory builds on the notion that people exude different attitudes and abilities compared to others in an ecosystem that plays a crucial role in subjective welfare and self-image CITATION Ame21 \l 1033 (American Psychological Association). The theory proposes three types of social comparis...