積極還是喪志
Owing to human beings’ gregarious nature, socializing with others is an integral part of people’s daily experiences.
由於人類天生愛好交際，跟他人社交成了日常經驗中不可或缺的一部分。
gregarious(adj.)喜愛交際的socialize(v.)社交integral(adj.)不可或缺的=essential
When engaging in social interactions, chances are people may unwittingly compare themselves with those in their social circles, for better or worse.
在進行社交的時候，無論好壞與否，人們都可能會在無意間拿自己跟社交圈的成員作比較。
engage in=參與;從事…unwittingly(adv.)無意中;不知不覺地
American psychologist Leon Festinger held that these comparisons allow individuals to create standards by which to measure their own abilities, achievements, appearances, etc.
美國心理學家費斯汀格認為，這類比較讓個人得以制定評估自己的能力、成就或外貌等各項標準。
measure(v.)測量;評量;評估
Consequently, they may change how they view themselves, thereby adjusting their behaviors accordingly.
他們可能會因此改變對自身的看法，從而視情況調整行為。
adjust(v.)調整;調節
For instance, an aspiring singer may be motivated to strive for excellence after learning about the success of a musician who shot to fame from a humble beginning.
例如，音樂人在一躍成名前都默默無聞，某位發憤圖強的歌手得知這類成功事跡後便會積極進取。
motivated(adj.)受到鼓舞的;積極的strive for=致力於做某事shoot to fame=聲名大噪;一舉成名=rise to stardomhumble(adj.)謙虛的;謙卑的;卑微的;地位低下的
That said, comparing oneself to those who are better off may not always lead to a positive outcome.
不過話雖如此，將自身拿來與相較優秀的人作比較不見得總是能帶來正面的結果。
compare A to B=拿A跟B作比較;將A比作Boutcome(n.)結果;後果;成果
Take social media as an example.
以社群媒體為例，
take … as an example=以…為例
When browsing feeds on one’s favorite social media platform, one is likely to come across at least one post that features an extraordinary feat, a gorgeous celebrity, or a high-achieving professional.
在瀏覽社群平台的資訊時，使用者可能至少會看到一則彰顯某人非凡的事跡、魅力十足的明星或成就斐然的專業人士等相關的貼文。
be likely to RV=可能做某事come across=遇到feature(v.)以…為特點;主打
Instead of being encouraged to better oneself, the user may simply feel overwhelmed and become demotivated.
比起受到鼓舞並提升自我，使用者反而會承受心理負擔，從而變得洩氣喪志。
A instead of B=選擇A而非Boverwhelm(v.)(使)難以承受;(使)不知所措demotivate(v.)使…消沈喪志