Comparison is one of the highest-volume mental activities for modern adults, and one of the most consistently harmful. The data is consistent: heavy comparison correlates with depression and anxiety regardless of which 'direction' the comparison goes.
Why upward comparison hurts
Looking at people 'ahead' of you produces inadequacy, not motivation. The brain doesn't make the leap from 'they have it' to 'I can have it' — it makes the leap to 'I don't have it'.
Why downward comparison also hurts
Comparing to those 'behind' you provides brief relief followed by guilt and a hollow feeling. Doesn't build genuine self-regard.
The intervention isn't more positive comparison; it's less comparison overall. Curate inputs ruthlessly. Unfollow accounts that trigger comparison loops. Notice when comparison starts and redirect to the present moment.